Kieran Trippier has named Newcastle United’s win at Leeds United as a season-defining moment for the Magpies under Eddie Howe.
In an interview with the True Geordie Podcast, the 35-cap England star pinpointed the 1-0 win away at Elland Road as the game that showed Newcastle had turned a corner under the former AFC Bournemouth manager.
Trippier was Howe’s first signing at Newcastle following the PIF takeover of the historic Premier League club, and after a busy January window and a stage of transition under the English coach, Newcastle look set to remain in the Premier League.
And for the 31-year-old right-back, the win against Leeds was the indicator that Howe’s style was coming across well, with Trippier noting that Newcastle were able to match Marcelo Bielsa’s fitness and style of play in their backyard.
Since that result, Leeds have continued to sink in the Premier League standings with Jesse Marsch replacing Bielsa as manager of the club, and according to Trippier, Newcastle’s win at Elland Road was a defining moment for the Toon this season.
The former Atletico Madrid star said: “With the gaffer now, who I’ve worked with before, I know what he demands in training, and it’s tough and I think you can see that.
“Especially the Leeds game, how they play and the way we matched them for fitness and their playing style showed we could do something this season.”
Newcastle’s recent fortunes started at Leeds’ expense at Elland Road
The Premier League storyline for both Newcastle and Leeds have flipped in recent weeks, with the Toon now looking safe for the campaign whilst the Yorkshire side look in real trouble of returning to the Championship, and the Magpies recent surge up the table started at Elland Road.
Newcastle have been sensational since their 1-0 loss against Leeds, and Trippier is right to claim that their win against Bielsa was a turning point for the club, with their Yorkshire rivals now the one facing relegation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
