Kieran Trippier provided a brilliant assist to give Newcastle United victory against Bournemouth, but Toon boss Eddie Howe was not surprised by the 32-year-old’s exquisite delivery.
It was an own goal that settled the cup tie on Tuesday night. Adam Smith headed the ball into his own net, dumping his team out of the competition in the process.
It wasn’t a pretty goal, but it was enough to send Newcastle through to the quarter finals. Howe’s side needed something like that on a tricky evening where the Cherries did their best to frustrate the home side.
They did just that for large parts of the game, with Newcastle far from their free flowing best. But the Magpies got the win, and it was largely down to Trippier’s wonderful delivery from out wide.
While Toon fans were quick to hail the right-back for his cross, Howe has now admitted that it did not surprise him to see Trippier produce a moment of such quality.
Howe on Trippier’s role in winner vs Bournemouth
The Newcastle manager spoke to NUFC TV after the game, and praised Trippier for his sensational and consistent delivery.
“Kieran is a fantastic crosser of the ball, he has been for many years so it’s no surprise to see him put another really good ball in,” Howe said.
“I’m not quite sure how the ball went in in the end from my angle, but pleased to see it hit the back of the net, especially after Callum’s goal in the first half was ruled out which was really tight.”
Kind of quality you expect from Trippier
Howe’s comments on Trippier’s delivery sum up just how good the England international is in those situations. We saw it time and time again on Tuesday night, with his crossing causing plenty of problems.
Bournemouth stopper Mark Travers flapped at corner after corner, and it was a surprise to see Newcastle not score from a set piece.
Having a player like Trippier is such an asset to Newcastle. He has the ability to produce moments of real quality on a consistent basis. That is what makes him stand out.
It wasn’t a surprise to see him make the difference against Bournemouth. He has been making the difference all season with his crossing ability. The cross for Smith’s OG was the fifth goal he has created. He’s got more assists than anyone in a Newcastle shirt this season.
More should be on the way from Trippier, as he looks to continue propelling Newcastle towards European football – and possibly a trophy too.
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