Kieran Trippier fronts up to Newcastle errors after VAR-filled Brentford defeat

Kieran Trippier refused to deflect blame after Newcastle United’s VAR-heavy 3–2 defeat to Brentford, admitting his own role in the decisive goal and confronting defensive problems that continue to undermine Eddie Howe’s side.

The loss at St James’ Park made it three consecutive Premier League defeats for Newcastle, with frustration growing amid repeated video assistant referee interventions and another late concession.

Newcastle began on the front foot and took the lead through Sven Botman on his 100th appearance for the club. Momentum soon shifted, however, as Brentford turned the match around before half-time via a Vitaly Janelt header and a penalty converted by Igor Thiago.

The hosts were awarded a spot-kick of their own after a lengthy monitor review, which Bruno Guimarães dispatched to restore parity late on. Any relief proved short-lived, with Dango Ouattara striking the winner to deepen the sense of unease inside St James’ Park.

While VAR dominated the narrative, Trippier was keen to steer the focus elsewhere.

Rather than criticising officiating, the Newcastle right-back delivered a blunt assessment of his side’s performance.

“We start the game well and go one-nil up but, again, it’s about putting more pressure on teams when we’ve got the lead,” Trippier said.

“It’s disappointing to go in 2–1 down. We came back into the game, but it’s the way we’re conceding goals. It’s not like us and hasn’t been since I’ve arrived.”

The 34-year-old did not hesitate when addressing the decisive moment late on.

“I don’t even need to look at the third goal because I’m out of position,” he admitted.

“That’s where I stand up and take responsibility. I don’t hide. I don’t shy away from it.”

With speculation beginning to swirl around Eddie Howe, Trippier stressed the importance of leadership during a difficult spell.

“It’s a busy period, so for myself and the other senior players it’s about calming things down,” he said.

“We need to keep listening to the gaffer. He sets the plan and it’s us players who have to execute it.”

Trippier also acknowledged the frustration of the home supporters, admitting the players owed them a response.

“We’re frustrated, especially at home because we’ve been a force here. Teams have feared coming here,” he said.

“We’ll take responsibility and apologise to the supporters, but all I can say is stick by us and we go again.”

Rather than pointing to tactical flaws, Trippier framed Newcastle’s struggles as a confidence issue.

“When you don’t win, confidence drops. I’ve been in this position before and now I’m one of the senior players who has to steady the ship,” he explained.

“The goals we’re conceding are down to us and nobody else.”

Newcastle now face a demanding sequence of four straight away fixtures, starting with a trip to Tottenham, leaving little time for reflection.

“Make no mistake, we will turn this around,” Trippier insisted.

“We’ve not won in five, but it’s about character and stepping up. We want to be playing Champions League football, so there are no excuses.”

Newcastle travel to Tottenham next before embarking on a challenging run of away fixtures. With pressure mounting and little margin for error, Howe’s side will need a swift response to prevent their season drifting further off course.

Is Newcastle’s slump down to confidence and execution — or do deeper structural issues need addressing?