'That's it' - Kieran Trippier rejects Newcastle United 'excuse' after Aston Villa hammering

Kieran Trippier refused to use tiredness as an excuse after Newcastle United’s six-match winning run came to an abrupt end.

The Magpies were hammered 4-1 by Aston Villa at Villa Park after conceding three goals in 11 second-half minutes. Fabian Schar cancelled out Ollie Watkins’ opener after 35 seconds before the home side ran riot with goals from Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana, and an own goal by Dan Burn.

Trippier, on a personal level endured a tough evening after Villa targeted United’s right-hand side, though the former England international gave credit to Unai Emery’s side

"They scored straight away but a good reaction from us in the first half,” Trippier told Sky Sports Football. “Full credit to Villa, they are a top side with a top manager. They played very well and are a strong team.

"You go into every game to win. Today we were confident but Villa played very well and they deserved their victory.”

Jason Tindall named an unchanged starting XI for a sixth consecutive match. This was Newcastle’s third game in six days after recording back-to-back home wins against Manchester United and Crystal Palace.

Asked if tiredness was an issue, Trippier replied: “We can't use that as an excuse. The manager picks the eleven, we've been unchanged and that's it. We focus on the next game and that's against Ipswich.”

Newcastle remain third in the Premier League table but saw their lead over the chasing Champions League qualification pack cut to two points.

Trippier added: "We want to qualify for the Champions League. Today was a setback but we've got a full week to recover and analyse where we went through today. You come into games like this against teams like this and it's a bit of a reality check maybe."

Jason Tindall reacts to Newcastle United’s defeat

Providing his verdict, Tindall said: "On reflection over the 90 minutes Aston Villa deserved to win. From our perspective maybe a third game in six days caught up with us around about the hour is there. The effort is there. We can't lose sight of where we are.

"We now need to make sure that we mentally refresh, take a couple of days to recover and make sure we come back and work hard to deliver a good performance against Ipswich.

"We knew they would start fast. Their record here at Villa Park is what it is for a reason. We were disappointed with the start but we showed great character to get ourselves back into the game and go in level at 1-1 at half time.

"The second half we went out and started the half ok but around the hour mark when we conceded the second, the physicality and effort caught up to us. We started making little errors that are unlike us that led to goals.

"Full credit to the players, the effort they have put in this week is there for all to see but maybe today was a step too far for us.

"I wouldn't say that it is a reality check. It was always going to be a tough game coming here to Villa Park. What a fantastic side they are with a great manager. We have had many setbacks but one thing about the players and the club is we stick together and come out fighting."