Newcastle United were in the goals on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side romped to a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace to move ahead of Brighton as the Premier League’s top scorers.
Newcastle have now plundered 24 times in just nine games, albeit the scoring was opened on Saturday in relatively fortuitous fashion.
Indeed, Jacob Murphy’s opener came when his flicked cross looped over Sam Johnstone and into the Palace net.
While Eagles boss Roy Hodgson described the incident as a “freak”, the former England manager conceded something “beautiful” happened in the build-up.
Newcastle vs Crystal Palace: Roy Hodgson says Toon star did something “beautiful”
Though Murphy has since admitted he did not mean his goal, it would not have been possible without Kieran Trippier.
Trippier and Murphy were hailed by pundit Paul Merson for their connection down the right all game it was the former who cushioned a lovely first time volleyed pass for the latter to take the shot in the first place.
“I thought we were somewhat unfortunate with the first goal of course,” Hodgson said (via the Shields Gazette).
“That didn’t help, a freak goal.
“It was well taken, a beautiful touch from Trippier so congratulations and if we’d have scored it I’d have been delighted.”
Kieran Trippier: The best right back in the Premier League (Opinion)
Even at 33, the England international is still doing the business.
Though its Kyle Walker who starts for the Three Lions, Trippier is surely outperforming even the Manchester City star.
No one in the Premier League has contributed more than the Newcastle defender’s six assists this season. WhoScored data, meanwhile, notes than no one can beat him for key passes per game (3.2).
They are fantastic numbers for a player in approaching his mid-thirties. Having done something similar for Alexander Isak’s second goal at West Ham last week, those brilliant touches do not look like letting up.
What a player.
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