'Sh*t happens' - Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk sends surprise message to Kieran Trippier after Newcastle full-back's horror performance in Carabao Cup quarter-final loss

For much of Tuesday's quarter-final clash, the Magpies seemed destined for the last four, safeguarding a 16th-minute lead until the fifth minute of injury time. Callum Wilson capitalised on Benoit Badiashile's error, putting the visitors ahead on Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge.

However, the Toon Army's joy turned to despair when Trippier's error allowed Mudryk to nip in and equalise. The defender's nightmarish sequence continued as he missed a penalty in the eventual shootout, while Mudryk converted, paving the way for a much-needed victory by a 4-2 margin for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

Mudryk himself has faced challenges at Chelsea, struggling to meet the expectations since his big-money move from Shakhtar Donetsk and his goal against Newcastle was only his third in 34 appearances. Hence, the Ukrainian knows a thing or two about going through tough times and sent a message to Trippier on Instagram. The England man has been struggling for form lately after also being at fault for a couple of goals in Newcastle's defeat to Everton earlier in December.

Mudryk wrote on Instagram: "Kieran, I just wanna say to you: stay strong. Sometimes sh*t happens but I think you are a strong footballer, no matter what."

@mmudryk10 Instagram

With fixtures coming thick and fast during the festive period, Mudryk will aim to build on his performance against Newcastle. Chelsea's upcoming matches against Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Luton Town in the Premier League, followed by a home FA Cup tie against Preston in 2024 will provide him with the perfect opportunity to continue building momentum. Trippier, meanwhile, will look to bounce back strongly when Eddie Howe leads his troops against Luton Town on Saturday in the Premier League.