Newcastle United battled hard for a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening, but it was a night that saw some key players struggle.
The most notable was Kieran Trippier, with the defender enduring a rather forgettable night at Molineux.
The 33-year-old was particularly careless in possession during the first half, with multiple sloppy passes handing Wolves the ball in dangerous areas. Luckily, his errors were not punished by Gary O’Neil’s side.
Trippier was one of many Toon players who looked fatigued against Wolves. That was not surprising after the energy sapping Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
But Eddie Howe rarely turned to his bench, with Joe Willock the only substitute to be brought on. That meant the likes of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall were unused.
It was particularly surprising not to see Livramento feature, as he has already proven that he can be trusted by Howe. He started the Carabao Cup win over Manchester City and was absolutely exceptional, producing a man of the match display.
But Howe opted not to bring the £32million man on, leaving a shattered Trippier to tough it out and play the full 90 minutes. He also got a booking late in the game, summing up a tough evening in a Toon shirt.
It was rather out of character from Trippier, who has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season. He has been brilliant so far, boasting seven assists in all competitions.
But he was not at his best against Wolves, and a lot of Toon fans believe he looked notably tired during the 2-2 draw at Molineux.
Newcastle fans thought Trippier looked very tired during 2-2 draw with Wolves
Following Newcastle’s draw with Wolves, multiple Toon fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to comment on how tired Trippier looked during the game.
One fan wrote: “Eddie has to take responsibility here it was clear that Trippier was tired and Burn was getting done from minute one. He should have made changes alot earlier with Livramento and Hall/Targett coming on.”
Another added: “Howe simply doesn’t trust Livaremento, Hall & Targett. Both Trippier and Burn were woeful and knackered but he chose to play them for the full 90.”
“Burn and Trippier are absolutely knackered here man,” a third supporter remarked.
“Fabian Schar was out MOTM he was outstanding. Hard fought point as we looked shattered especially Gordon & Trippier,” wrote a fourth member of the Toon Army.
Another fan tweeted: “Worst performance of the season by a country mile that. Everyone looks shattered, especially Trippier.”
A fifth wrote: “This game is crying out for Livramento mind. Trippier is shattered.”
And finally, another Newcastle fan commented: “I’ll take the draw. Howe’s reluctance to utilise the bench is baffling! Mistakes from Pope have been becoming more frequent this season. Trippier looked tired for this game – team definitely fatigued & stretched. Great goal from Hwang & Wilson! Refs +VAR shocking as usual.”
Given how tired Trippier looked, he will surely not start during the midweek Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United, with Tino Livramento looking certain to come in for his second ever Toon start.
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