The dust is yet to settle after Newcastle United’s dramatic draw with Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
After a heroic performance, Newcastle fell victim to a controversial decision to award the hosts a late penalty after Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled in the box during the dying embers of the game.
The likes of Jermaine Jenas and Ally McCoist were among those who have condemned the awarding of that late spot-kick, such was the controversy in the Champions League.
Still, it shouldn’t take away from some of the performances Eddie Howe’s players put in. Nick Pope and Miguel Almiron were just some of the standouts and another star came in for huge praise.
Kieran Trippier: What UEFA have said about Newcastle star’s performance against PSG
Indeed, Kieran Trippier won UEFA’s Player of the Match Award after a stirring night for him in the French capital.
The governing body’s Technical Observer Panel said of his performance (via their LIVE blog): “He covered the side against the most dangerous attacker perfectly.”
Kieran Trippier: Newcastle star back to his best
Just a few weeks on from arguing with a supporter following a pretty dire performance away at Bournemouth, Trippier was back to his best.
For all the talk of his ability going forward since his £12m move from Atletico Madrid, this was a resolute defensive performance.
As per WhoScored data, the veteran made three tackles (ranking joint-third of anyone in black and white), four clearances (joint-fourth) and found the mark with 82.9% of his 41 attempted passes (first).
Up against a true monster in Kylian Mbappe, Trippier was excellent.
Having to play pretty much every week as a result of the relentless schedule and the injury crisis at the club, the 33-year-old’s influence simply cannot be overstated.
A modern day Newcastle United legend.
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