Eddie Howe admits he was actually SURPRISED. Alexander Isak took Newcastle’s decisive penalty on Friday

When Kieran Trippier picked up the ball after a late Newcastle penalty against Nottingham Forest and put it on the penalty spot, even Eddie Howe was confused because Alexander Isak was his penalty taker.

“I’d love to take the honor because it was so good,” Howe said. “Kieran had the ball so I was a bit confused but it was great to see Alex taking it so well. That’s the hallmark of Kieran – I thought he was excellent,” Howe added.

It was another sign of Trippier’s leadership on the pitch and how important he is to Newcastle’s quest for a Champions League spot. The Newcastle skipper had 92 touches on Friday night – more than anyone as he bombed up and down the flank before taking the initiative to take charge to ensure Isak was unaffected by any of Forest’s mind games.

Even Sky Sports were fooled by Trippier’s reverse dark arts in stoppage time. They put a graphic on the screen showing Trippier’s previous penalties, but the full-back glared at forest keeper Keylor Navas and after Navas was cautioned for wasting time, Trippier grinned and nonchalantly withdrew.

Isak stepped forward to send Navas the wrong way and send Newcastle fans into ecstasy.

Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 thanks to a time penalty from Alexander Isak

Isak fired home to send Newcastle fans into raptures after Kieran Trippier originally picked up the ball and placed it on the spot to distract Nottingham Forest

As the traveling army of toons moved their celebrations from the banks of the River Trent to city center bars, Trippier emerged from the dressing rooms and spoke about how much he was enjoying his time in Newcastle.

“We should not underestimate the magnitude of this win. They’re a tough team and it’s not easy to get there,” Trippier said. “We believe that we can create something special. Honestly this is one of the best groups I’ve been in – the cohesiveness, there are no egos, a really hard working team and that comes from the manager. We’re in great shape and the boys will give it their all,” he added.

For Trippier, the moment of genius at the end was simply letting the Newcastle star focus on the task at hand.

“I said to Alex, ‘I’m holding the ball and you just step into the game and get in the moment. Do your normal routine and I’ll take all the pressure. I want you to be as calm as possible.’ Little details like that can help, and he tucked them away,’ said Trippier.

It was a sixth goal for Isak in just his seventh Premier League start for Newcastle and the Swede showed exactly why Newcastle made him their record-breaking summer signing. In too many games this season Newcastle were in control but failed to count with a lack of recklessness in the final third. But in Isak, who has kept Callum Wilson out of the starting XI for the past few weeks, there is a man of that quality in front of goal. His first goal was superbly executed and he was denied a superb assist due to VAR.

“It was difficult for Alex (with injuries) but he took his chance. His ability at such a young age is scary,” added Trippier.

Long after the final whistle blew on Friday night, Newcastle fans were still singing. “This is the best trip I’ve ever taken, I don’t want to go home”

Keep up the good work and next year there will be many trips around Europe. In the early hours of Saturday, Newcastle flew to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp, knowing their fate was entirely in their own hands with 12 games remaining. next up Manchester United at home.

Trippier insisted the Newcastle squad believe they can create something special this season

Eddie Howe’s side are now two points behind fourth-place Tottenham with two games in hand