Kieran Trippier was left helpless as Newcastle United gave up their lead against Brighton on Sunday.
The Magpies had gone 1-0 up in their FA Cup fifth round tie against Brighton, with Alexander Isak netting a penalty to score his 22nd goal of the season.
However, Eddie Howe’s side squandered their advantage, as Newcastle were knocked out of the FA Cup.
It was a crushing defeat for Newcastle, made all the more painful by Anthony Gordon’s red card. That means he is now suspended for the Carabao Cup final – unless the Magpies successfully appeal the decision.
Overall, it was a disastrous day at St James’ Park. Newcastle United did not play very well, and that was reflected in the goals they conceded.
Kieran Trippier furious with Newcastle United defenders
Brighton’s first came from a throw-in, as Yankuba Minteh scored at St James’ Park after being sold by Newcastle last summer.
The 20-year-old showcased his speed, while Newcastle showcased some awful defending.
When Tariq Lamptey took the throw-in, three of the Toon defenders were effectively in a line along the touchline. That meant they were all suddenly out of position when Joao Pedro received possession and slipped Minteh in behind.
Kieran Trippier was the only Newcastle player who could even try to influence Minteh, but it was too little too late. The 34-year-old managed to get across, only for the winger’s shot to deflect off Trippier and into the Newcastle United net.
As Brighton celebrated, Trippier berated his fellow defenders. He was not happy with Fabian Schar, Dan Burn or Tino Livramento, and rightly so.
This is the second time in four games that Trippier has reacted angrily to Schar’s poor defending. Trippier was not happy against Manchester City either, as the Magpies fell to a 4-0 defeat.
Newcastle United need Sven Botman back
Multiple Newcastle United players are struggling for form right now, and Fabian Schar is one of them.
The 33-year-old has looked so uncomfortable in recent weeks. He has been part of a defence that has conceded so many poor goals.
There were constant breakdowns in communication with Burn against Brighton, while Schar’s usual passing range was nowhere to be seen.
His dip in form comes at a time when Sven Botman has been unavailable.
The Dutchman has not played for Newcastle since the Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal. However, Howe said Botman was ‘close’ to being available for the Brighton game, which is encouraging ahead of next Monday’s trip to West Ham.
With the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool looming, it will be interesting to see if Howe recalls Botman to play at Wembley.
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