Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier is not immune to criticism - and here's why

Football can often be seen through a black and white lens. Emotion courses through the sport, passion its lifeblood.

Often, though, when the dust settles, things can't always be explained away that easy. Sometimes things are far from black and white. In fact, they're often largely grey.

Kieran Trippier in his time at Newcastle United has been anything but grey.

The England international has been a catalyst for change at United, a lifter of standards, the first beacon of hope in this new age of expectation.

But saying just that, at this moment, does not tell the whole story.

Newcastle's leader at the back, their usual calming influence, their class and drive, has, recently, fallen way below his usual standards. Well, in a defensive sense at least. No player is immune from criticism - and sadly, Trippier, whose form has understandably dipped after withdrawal from the England squad for personal reasons, is due his fair share at the moment.

And that's where black, white and grey come into it.

Opinions on Trippier's current form can and should be aired, but that does not erase what has gone before. He cannot be talked about as arguably the greatest modern day right-back the club has seen - and he is, by the way - then suddenly be judged in a different light due to some costly recent errors. However, his recent form can be criticised - and it is also fair to argue in the three games he has started outside of his one-game ban - Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea - he has cost his side at least four, probably five goals.

That's football, it happens. Players have bad spells and judgement can be passed.

The view that Trippier is a Magpies' legend, due to his transformative impact on the squad, and also that he is struggling badly at the moment, can be held simultaneously. The views are not mutually exclusive. You can have one AND the other. This isn't about picking black and white. It is OK for Newcastle United fans to choose grey right now.

Form is temporary, class is permanent. Trippier will rise again, of that there is no doubt. The same goes for Newcastle, too. Their dip is painful, but far from mortally wounding. They'll come back from this, but they, like Trippier, need to do so sooner, rather than later.