Anybody who writing off Kieran Trippier may well be doing so too early as the ex-Atletico Madrid and England man proved his worth at Spurs
Newcastle United looked a lot like their old selves in their big win against Tottenham Hotspur last night with Kieran Trippier a huge part of a triumphant return to his ex-employers.
Trippier had enjoyed a positive reception as he walked in the stadium at teatime on Tuesday night. And he looked determined, at 35, to show the home fans that he still had plenty to offer in the Premier League.
With his contract up at the end of the season and Newcastle still undecided whether to give him a new one, Trippier can only roll his sleeves up and play for his future - whether that's on Tyneside or elsewhere. It's worth remembering that only a few months ago, Trippier threw his hat into the England ring and volunteered his services for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
After a tough performance against Brentford just a few days ago, in which he was outpaced by Dango Ouattara, some may say he needs to get it right at club level first. But while many groaned when the team sheets came out, and Trippier was named as right-back with Lewis Miley at home injured, he stepped up to deliver.
He showed all his experience and guile to drag Newcastle through this fixture and provided the right amount of service for Anthony Elanga to have one of his best games for the club. No Newcastle player had more touches than Trippier (74), and he had the most passes of any Toon star.
However, there was a moment in the game in which Trippier struggled to keep his emotions in check. Indeed, when Xavi Simons edged past Trippier in the second half, it looked like the ex-England man was in trouble.
But as the Dutch international went down in a heap, it became clear that Trippier was not guilty, and a yellow card was issued by Anthony Taylor after a clear dive. Trippier was disgusted with the Tottenham star and walked towards him, pointing his finger at the Dutchman.
TV replays later showed there was no contact and revealed a shocking dive, and while the resultant free-kick did break down for Newcastle, the Magpies won the ball back with Jacob Ramsey eventually slotting home the winner.
It proved to be a key moment but had wily campaigner Trippier not reacted with authority rather than losing his head, the referee could easily have been swayed the other way. If this is Trippier's last effort for Newcastle, he is determined to go about things the right way.
Little wonder it was Trippier's masterplan, along with Bruno Guimaraes, to shove Eddie Howe to the front and lap up some applause from the 3,038 travelling fans.
The away day blues ended - quite literally
The Magpies boxed off three points with a narrow win in the capital against Spurs thanks to goals from Malick Thiaw and Ramsey.
And this was the first win of the season wearing the blue away kit, at the sixth time of asking. Based on the 1997/98 away kit, a shirt that never experienced a single win in the Premier League, many fans were wondering whether this kit should be chucked into the trash can of history.
However, if Newcastle never wear it again, at least it will be a reminder of this important win over Spurs.
Ton up for Nick Pope
Nick Pope will have had more lively nights than last night in the capital as he watched on as a spectator for long periods against Spurs.
An Archie Gray goal denied him a clean sheet, but he still walked away with a win in his 100th appearance for the Magpies. He made just one save but at 33 he will take more days like this!
After suffering a couple of howlers in recent games, this was exactly what he needed. The England international has been a major part of two Champions League qualifications and will now step up to play his part in a push for another ticket to Europe.