Newcastle United wing-back Trippier has been heavily criticized after being caught out by Son Heung-min’s breakthrough.
Tottenham cruised to a 4-1 victory over Newcastle in the 16th round of the 2023-24 Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on Monday morning (Aug. 11). Son Heung-min led the way for Tottenham with a goal and two assists against Newcastle.
Heung-min assisted on Udoji’s first goal in the 26th minute against Newcastle. After breaking down the left flank, Son sent a low, quick cross into the box that Udoji finished with a left-footed shot that rattled the Newcastle net.
Son also assisted on a second goal for the hosts in the 38th minute. A cross from Foro was headed away by Trippier, but the ball found its way to Son on the left flank. Heung-min then dribbled in front of Trippier again before crossing the ball into the box, where it was met by a left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
Trippier was also blamed for Newcastle’s defeat at Everton in the Premier League Round of 15. Against Everton, Trippier lost the ball to McNeil in the 34th and 41st minutes of the game, leading to the opening goal and a late winner. Trippier’s recent struggles continued against Tottenham, when he looked lethargic against Son Heung-min.
The Daily Mail said: “Trippier has the experience and versatility to play at either wing-back and is an integral part of the England squad. Having developed into a complete wing-back at Atletico Madrid, Trippier returned to the Premier League with a move to Newcastle but was overshadowed by Son Heung-min.
The BBC said: ‘The pressure could be too much for Newcastle this season. Maintaining a top-four Premier League finish while competing in the Champions League is difficult. Newcastle’s trio was broken down by Son Heung-min and eventually replaced. “I don’t think it would have happened under normal circumstances,” he said, referring to Trippier’s fitness issues with the UEFA Champions League this season.
In response to the harsh criticism of Trippier from local media in the UK, NorthernEco said: “It must have been a day to forget for Trippier. After conceding two early goals, they went down far too easily. NorthernEco’s ratings gave Trippier a 3, the lowest rating in the team, while Cloneclive also gave Trippier a 4, the lowest rating in the team.
The UK’s Guardian wrote: ‘Son traumatized Trippier. ‘Heung-min kept the ball at his feet and dribbled faster than he could run, getting further and further away from his pursuers. He waited until he was off-balance to receive a diagonal pass that hit him in the head, then cut inside to set up a goal for Hischalisson.” The article went on to detail the confrontation between Son and Trippier.