Kieran Trippier admits his “standards have dropped” over the past month but has promised to get back on track for Newcastle United ahead of the new year.
The right-back has put a series of poor performances during December, the latest of which saw the Magpies lose 3-1 to Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after 23 minutes, but Chris Wood returned to his former haunting ground to score a hat-trick and hand Nuno Espirito Santo his first win as the Reds manager.
“We were in control in the first half, but it was the transitions that we’d spoken about. They have some very quick players and that’s where they hurt us,” Trippier told Amazon Prime.
Wood scored the first of his three goals on the stroke of halftime, flipping the game on its head at a crucial time. The New Zealand international proceed to score twice by running in behind Newcastle‘s defence as the home side chased a goal.
“We were always in control,” Trippier said. “They have some very good players on the transition. The most important thing is we regroup and stick together. We have to start the second half of the season strong.”
“We have been playing two games a week, week after week and some players aren’t used to that. My standards have dropped. I’m old enough to speak about myself and my standards have been nowhere near. I’ve faced enough setbacks in my career to know I can bounce back.”
Newcastle travel to Anfield for their next Premier League outing as they face Liverpool on New Year’s Day.
