Former Spurs defender Kieran Trippier has admitted that he will have his old club’s best interests at heart when his Newcastle United side face Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday night.
The 31-year-old has enjoyed his return to English football with the Magpies, contributing two goals in five games before he suffered a foot injury in February (The Mirror).
A La Liga title winner with Atletico Madrid, Trippier has provided a valuable leadership presence and a wicked set-piece delivery threat for Eddie Howe’s men.
Spurs enter this evening’s north London Derby aware that any result but a win will all but put an end to their hopes of Champions League qualification. If the Lilywhites are to beat Arsenal, they would have to rely on other teams to take points off their bitter rivals.
Having played at Tottenham for four years, Trippier understands what the fixture means to the Spurs faithful and the heightened importance of this week’s clash.
Recent comments from the Bury-born defender prove he has not forgotten his time in north London nor his early career stint at Burnley.
He told The Shields Gazette:”Arsenal are fighting to get in the top four, I want to help Tottenham obviously and then Burnley staying up. It’s two different types of matches and they’re going to be up for it so we’ve got to make sure we match that.”
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Antonio Conte’s men know they are at the stage where they have to rely on a favour from either Newcastle or Everton if they are to win the race for the coveted fourth place.
Having Trippier as an internal motivator in the Newcastle side can only play to Spurs’ advantage. However, Conte will be reiterating to his team the importance of staying fully focused on themselves.
With three fixtures left to play in the Premier League campaign, there is no room for slip-ups.
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