Livramento and Joelinton react as Kieran Trippier shares plea in Newcastle message
Kieran Trippier has urged Newcastle United to make good on their recent form after beating Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Eddie Howe’s side put themselves in the driving seat to secure a return to Champions League football next season, moving up to fifth in the Premier League table by breezing past Leicester on Monday.
Two goals within the opening 11 minutes by Jacob Murphy – the first coming inside the first 120 seconds – put a result beyond Leicester’s reach almost straight away, and on course for an eighth straight defeat.
Leicester also saw their former winger Harvey Barnes add a third for Newcastle 11 minutes before half-time, setting the victory in stone for and drawing Newcastle level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
Kieran Trippier issues new demand to Newcastle team-mates
With three Premier League wins in a row – either side of last month’s EFL Cup triumph over Liverpool at Wembley – Newcastle are hitting their straps at exactly the right time in their hunt for the top four.
| Leicester | Statistic | Newcastle |
| 0 | Goals | 3 |
| 0.48 | xG | 3.25 |
| 2 / 7 | Shots on Target | 5 / 16 |
| 58% | Possession | 42% |
| 12 | Corners | 2 |
On their best run of form since six straight league wins between December and January, Newcastle’s win leaves Ruud van Nistelrooy on the brink at Leicester, and Howe’s side have been told to stay the course.
Kieran Trippier posted on Instagram at full-time with a rallying cry for his charges (7 April), with Tino Livramento and Joelinton both liking his message, which read: “Great result tonight, we have to keep this form going. Thanks for the excellent support.”
Champions League in touching distance for Newcastle
Trippier isn’t the only veteran defender looking to steer Newcastle back into Europe’s elite at season’s end, even if a Champions League place could see his game-time be limited by new arrivals next term.
Football Insider revealed on 30 March that Champions League football could be the difference-maker in Newcastle’s pursuit of Dean Huijsen, with the Bournemouth centre-back having several top-tier suitors.
Sandro Tonali could also be set to leave St. James’ Park this summer with Eberechi Eze lined up as his replacement, and following Trippier’s lead to secure a Champions League spot will prove vital for determining Newcastle’s transfer shortlist.