Newcastle United are out of the relegation zone after beating Everton 3-1 in the Premier League last night.
Eddie Howe’s side were absolutely superb in front of an electric St. James’ Park.
As poor as Everton were, Newcastle did everything right on the night and Howe deserves massive credit for the performance.
Newcastle threatened all evening, with Allan Saint-Maximin at the forefront of everything good the Magpies did.
The Frenchman was a nightmare for the Toffees, and really deserved to score.
One man who did get on the scoresheet though, was Newcastle’s first post-takeover signing Kieran Trippier.
The England international, who cost £12 million plus add-ons (BBC Sport), stepped up to whip home a free-kick into the bottom corner to ensure Everton would not get back into the game at the death.
It was a real moment of quality, and just one of the many reasons the club were so keen to bring him in.
Last night was Trippier’s fourth appearance for the club since his move from Atletico Madrid. He’s impressed each and every time he’s taken to the field, something Rob Lee said after the game.
The ex-Magpies midfielder said on BT Sport 2: “He’s a leader, off the pitch and on the pitch. It’s the way he plays. He’s sensational. He was outstanding, he’s been outstanding every game.
“He’s got great energy, he gets up and down, he defends well, he’s the ultimate full-back. I think he’s made a huge, huge difference to Newcastle.”
Kieran Trippier has proven to be a sensational signing so far for Newcastle
Newcastle fans probably can’t believe their luck that Trippier is a Magpie.
The 31-year-old, as Lee says, has been outstanding in every game he’s played so far since his move.
When he joined for £12 million, it felt like a really, really good deal.
And it is already proving to be so. His quality is abundantly clear, and that ability from dead-ball situations is a huge bonus.
Potentially, the first deal the new owners did at Newcastle might just prove to be the most significant.
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