Given how many goals Newcastle United scored against Sheffield United, it is easy to forget that Sean Longstaff netted the first.
The 25-year-old opened the scoring for the Magpies at Bramall Lane, getting in the box to give Newcastle the lead following some brilliant work by Anthony Gordon.
It was a smart finish from Longstaff, whose first goal of the season set Newcastle on their way to an emphatic 8-0 win at Sheffield United’s expense.
The local lad was impressive once again, and appears to have been the catalyst behind Newcastle’s return to form. He was particularly good against AC Milan, and nearly scored a dramatic winner at the San Siro.
This time Longstaff was more clinical in front of goal, and has now shared how Toon captain Kieran Trippier influenced his strike on Sunday.
Kieran Trippier has told Sean Longstaff to get in the box more
After the 8-0 win, Longstaff spoke to NUFC TV. He shared what Trippier had been telling him in private ahead of the game against Sheffield United.
“I just know that Tripps has been on me for the past week and a half saying ‘you need to get in the box more, you need to get in the box more’,” he said.
“He’s done that twice in my career and I scored two against Southampton and I scored today, so I think he needs to do it before every game.”
Newcastle captain’s advice works a treat
Trippier created three goals himself against Sheffield United, while he inadvertently had a role in Newcastle’s first.
It was his words of encouragement that forced Longstaff to venture into the penalty area, and it resulted in him finding the net.
Longstaff has now admitted that every time Trippier tells him to get in the box he scores, so either Trippier needs to tell him more or Longstaff needs to keep remembering what his captain told him.
It just shows the influence Trippier has at Newcastle. He is making those around him better, which sums up how good a leader he is.
The 33-year-old was outstanding on Sunday, while his influence helped Longstaff produce another fine display.
The academy graduate has been key for Newcastle over the past week, and is once again an integral part of Eddie Howe’s midfield. He does the dirty work for Newcastle, making him incredibly valuable to the side.
Goals are a bonus, but Trippier clearly thinks that Longstaff can score more. And if he keeps getting himself in the box, he will do just that.
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