THE NOTEBOOK: Kieran Trippier joins a famous list, the omission of Newcastle target James Maddison raises eyebrows… while Harry Souttar impresses in defence for Leicester
Eddie Howe‘s side came into Monday’s match well aware that only a point would secure the Magpies return to Europe’s elite competition.
And despite creating a number of opportunities to take all three points, a stubborn Leicester defence ensure the points were shared.
The Foxes, who have climbed to 18th, will head into the final match of the season against West Ham with fate out of their hands.
Here, Mail Sport’s Craig Hope reflects on the key talking points.
Newcastle secured Champions League qualification with a stalemate 0-0 draw with Leicester
The Magpies will next season return to Europe’s elite competition after more than 20 years
JAMES MADDISON’S OMISSION RAISES EYEBROWS
Rumours swept the St James’ Park media centre before kick-off that James Maddison was absent from the Leicester squad and with Newcastle interested in the England midfielder, it did not take long for people to put two and two together.
In the end, Maddison and Harvey Barnes – another target for the Magpies last summer – were included, though it was certainly a surprise to see neither of the Foxes’ top scorers included in the starting XI.
In response to a request from a picture from a young Newcastle fan, Maddison obliged by making the ‘V’ for victory sign. If only he had had more reason to do so this season.
James Maddison was surprisingly left out of the starting XI and eventually came off the bench
KIERAN TRIPPER IS NAMED NEWCASTLE PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Kieran Trippier joined an impressive list of names as he was named Newcastle’s player of the season.
By succeeding Joelinton to claim the award, the full-back followed in the footsteps of Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne, Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.
Not all the winners are as eye-catching, with Habib Beye, Davide Santon and Mike Williamson among the others on the roll of honour, but in many ways Trippier is the symbol of Newcastle’s new era.
He joined from Atletico Madrid in a £12million deal in January 2022, the first major move from the club since the Saudi-backed takeover, and the club have barely looked back since he joined.
Kieran Trippier joined an impressive list of names as he was named Newcastle’s player of the season
OWNERS TAKE TO THE PITCH!
Time for the Newcastle owners to milk the applause at half-time. Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi watched Jamie Reuben, another co-owner, take the crossbar challenge.
Imagine the reception if Mike Ashley had done the same.
HARRY SOUTTAR IMPRESSES FOR FOXES
Brendan Rodgers’ final game in charge of Leicester was the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace on April 1 – also the last time before this match that the Foxes had reached half-time without conceding.
The inclusion of Harry Souttar was key to Leicester’s improved display at the back and given the January signing from Stoke had impressed under Rodgers, it was a surprise to see him given so little action by Smith.
It’s surprising Dean Smith hasn’t given Harry Souttar more opportunities after his performance
