Newcastle United drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Saturday night, but it could have been a defeat had it not been for Nick Pope‘s heroics.
The Toon stopper had a quiet night at Selhurst Park, with Patrick Vieira’s side rarely testing the England international.
However, he had to be at his best to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta midway through the second half. The Belgian forward, who came on as a substitute, came closest for Palace, but could not find a way past Pope.
A loose ball fell to the feet of Mateta, who fired an effort towards goal in the 73rd minute. But Pope was equal to it, showing incredible reactions to tip the strike over the bar to deny the 25-year-old.
It was an outrageous save by the 30-year-old, who has now kept six Premier League clean sheets in a row. It was the only save he had to make against Palace, but what a save it was.
Alan Shearer reacts to Nick Pope’s save against Crystal Palace
Toon legend Alan Shearer was hugely impressed with Pope, and heaped praise on the goalkeeper for his save to keep out Mateta.
The former Newcastle striker tweeted: “That’s a worldie @Popey1992.”
It truly was a world class save from Pope. It was even more so impressive given that it was the first and only save he had to make all night.
Palace barely laid a glove on Newcastle, who move up to third in the Premier League table once again.
However, it probably should have been three points for Eddie Howe’s side. The Magpies were dominant at Selhurt Park, but were unable to make the breakthrough.
Newcastle struggled to create clear cut chances, with both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak having headers saved. Joelinton also had a great chance in the first half, but struggled to test Vicente Guaita.
At the end of the day, a point away from home to extend our unbeaten run is enough. It could have been more, but at least we didn’t lose. Pope deserves huge credit for that, with his spectacular save earning his side a point.
The result means that Newcastle have now drawn their last three games with Crystal Palace 0-0 – thank goodness we don’t have to play them again this season.