I watched what Kieran Trippier did against Man City to send big Newcastle United message
There's a healthy competition for places at Newcastle United, as Eddie Howe has craved, and it's anyones guess, week to week, as to who will start at right-back for the Magpies.
Kieran Trippier failed to make it off the bench at all in two of the opening three Premier League fixtures but has since wasted no time when it comes to grabbing any opportunities that have fallen his way this season. There was, firstly, an impressive cameo in the fightback against Bournemouth and a solid showing in the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
Saturday saw Trippier get the nod from the outset for the second game in a row as Newcastle attempted to bounce back from a rather dismal display against Fulham seven days prior. No doubt many supporters, if placed in Howe's shoes, would have went with Tino Livramento, who needs game time if he is to fulfil the potential he seemingly possesses.
READ MORE:Debut chance for 'bag of tricks' Eddie Howe loves as Newcastle United cup decision made
READ MORE:Newcastle send 'really strong' message as 'overblown' Liverpool transfer talk addressed
But the Toon boss was vindicated in sticking with Trippier as the right-back of choice in Saturday's well-deserved draw with champions Manchester City - as the experienced head proved he still has so much to give at this level. This, after a summer of serious interest from abroad.
From minute one Trippier was on it and most of Newcastle's early joy against City came down their right-flank, as visiting left-back Josko Gvardiol was put under pressure from the off.
Trippier, with Jacob Murphy ahead of him on the wing and Sandro Tonali on the right-side of Newcastle's midfield, sought to exploit City's defence down that specific channel for most of the game. Trippier was the first to do so as he sprinted in behind and forced Ederson off his line to clear the danger after a foot-race with Manuel Akanji.
After a quick change of boots - one blue Puma and one orange Adidas offering - we began to see the most intense battle of the contest play out. Trippier vs Grealish down City's left. Two men who know each other well thanks to their England exploits over the years.
It was a fierce back and forth that raged on all game, in truth. The first meeting of the two saw Trippier use his body to leave Grealish on the deck as Newcastle dealt with a City attack.
However, the defining moment of the head-to-head, unfortunately for Trippier, came as Grealish took the ball beyond him and teed up Gvardiol for the visitors' opener. There's an argument the City flyer was lucky as Trippier's tackle bounced off him and into a fair bit of space - but the Newcastle defender will also be unhappy with his role in the first goal of the afternoon.
There was more positives to come from Trippier, however, as Newcastle fought their way back into the game. The veteran full-back spent almost every spare moment barking instructions to his fellow defenders, the midfielders in front of him and Murphy down the channel.
Trippier may no longer be wearing the Newcastle armband but he is in no rush to shelve his leadership qualities as he fights for his spot. A lot of the defender's positive actions on Saturday were easily forgettable moments in the game itself - shouts to his team-mates, simple, calm passes under pressure or his reading of the game.
It served as a reminder that still, despite a previous period of shaky form, he offers so much - with or without the ball.
Trippier's afternoon came to an abrupt end when he went down with what appeared to be cramp. After initially attempting to play on, Howe called Livramento off the bench to see out the remainder of the tie.
Trippier, who limped off in the Gallowgate corner, was forced to walk around the perimeter of the pitch, which saw him receive warm applause from supporters in each section of the stadium. There was no reaction from the man himself. No claps towards the fans in the stands or acceptance that he was being praised. Instead, Trippier simply continued watching the action unfold on the pitch as he trudged towards the bench and took his place among the substitutes.
It was a welcomed display from the 34-year-old who so nearly left Tyneside this summer. Questions still linger over whether Trippier will retain his starting spot on the right of Howe's back four but he's clearly not lying down and handing it to Livramento on a plate.
Having two classy operators - one at the end of his career and one at the beginning - is the ideal scenario for Howe, who fought tooth and nail to keep Trippier at St James' Park in the face of serious transfer interest in recent months.
Saturday's display from the dressing leader was much welcomed. More of the same going forward and there will be no reason for Howe to keep chopping and changing his selection at right-back.