'Telepathy': BBC pundit stunned by how well two Newcastle players link up

By Ben Evans

Newcastle United will be pleased to have come away from The Emirates last night with another clean sheet.

It means they remain in third place in the Premier League, although Manchester United have now caught them up.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Matthew Upson was commentating on the game last night.

The Magpies are still unbeaten since August, but have now dropped four points in their last two games.

Defensively, they’re one of the best sides in the league, keeping more clean sheets than any other club.

They don’t play in the Premier League again until next Sunday, when Fulham are the visitors.

Instead, they have two cups matches to deal with in their search to end their long wait for silverware.

Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle are playing some brilliant football, and his first-choice side is now well established.

Upson was particularly impressed with the link up play between Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier yesterday.

Almiron has been the league’s surprise package this season, and already has nine goals to his name.

Meanwhile, Trippier has led by example since arriving at Newcastle 12 months ago.

Upson impressed by Trippier and Almiron link up

Speaking during last night’s match, Upson said: “What a chance – that telepathy between Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier there was clear to see and that was very nearly a goal for Newcastle.”

Although Trippier and Almiron haven’t directly combined to score a goal this season, they’ve caused plenty of problems.

The English full-back is one of the deadliest crossers in the league, and regularly finds himself high up the pitch.

He’s been credited with turning Newcastle’s fortunes around, and leads from the front, regularly wearing the captain’s armband.

Almiron earned cult-hero status at Newcastle before his incredible run of form this season.

He’s changed plenty of people’s minds with his performances this campaign, and is one of the first names on Howe’s teamsheet.

The way Trippier and Almiron link up has created so many chances for Newcastle this season.

It’s only a matter of time before one of them creates a goal from the other.