9 months ago
54 ARTICLE AD
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe praised the creativity and leadership of Kieran Trippier after he became just the second Premier League player this season to notch up ten assists.
Now in his second full season at the club, Trippier endured a tough spell in December last year, with the Englishman at fault in key games against Everton and Chelsea.
In January, the 33-year-old was the subject of sustained interest from Bayern Munich, with the Magpies turning down two approaches from the defending Bundesliga champions.
Trippier has returned to his best form in recent weeks, with his three assists in his last four games bringing him level alongside Ollie Watkins at the top of the assist charts.
Howe was full of praise for the full-back’s mentality ahead of the club’s crunch fixture away at Arsenal on Saturday.
‘It is a brilliant stat for a full-back, he is a guy who will play a lot of creative passes before a goal happens,’ Howe said at his pre-match press conference.
‘He has been fundamental to how we work – his leadership skills behind the scenes have been second to none.’
Newcastle will no doubt be preparing for a fiery clash against Arsenal after their 1-0 win at St James’ Park earlier in the season, a match laced with controversy.
Arsenal slipped to a disappointing 1-0 midweek defeat against Porto in the Champions League to end their impressive run of form.
The Gunners, however, have scored 21 goals in their last five Premier League games, leaving Howe under illusions over the task awaiting his side at the Emirates.
‘We will need to replicate close to our best performance to get something from the game,’ Howe added.
‘Last season was a battling performance from us at the Emirates. Arsenal this season have been very good in every aspect of the game. It will be a challenge for us.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Europa League draw: Liverpool, West Ham and Brighton discover their last-16 opponents
MORE : Chelsea star who ‘gets his shirt dirty’ hailed by Liverpool’s Pep Lijnders
MORE : Liverpool trio set for late fitness tests ahead of Carabao Cup final versus Chelsea
