Alan Shearer has praised Nick Pope for his performance in Newcastle United’s draw with Arsenal.
The Magpies’ unbeaten run continues, with not even the Premier League leaders capable of stopping this side. Eddie Howe’s team are now without defeat in their past 13 league games, and remain third in the table.
It was a fantastic defensive performance from Newcastle, who had to be at their best to keep the Gunners at bay. Mikel Arteta’s side threw everything at the Magpies, but struggled to really penetrate the Toon defence.
And on the occasions that they did find a way past the likes of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, they met an inspired Nick Pope.
The 30-year-old made some excellent saves, including a crucial one with his feet late in the game to deny Eddie Nketiah.
Pope has now got 10 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, including four in a row. He had to work for the one at the Emirates, and he has been singled out for praise after the game.
Shearer hails Pope after Newcastle draw with Arsenal
After the game, Toon legend Alan Shearer took to Twitter to give his reaction.
He wrote: “A great defensive display from the Toon with a little help from the brilliant Nick Pope. Hard to beat, hard to play against. Love it.”
Pope really was brilliant against Arsenal, making important saves in both halves. He also dealt with plenty of crosses that were hurled into his box, ensuring that Arteta’s team failed to score for the first time this season.
It was a tremendous effort from Newcastle down in the capital, who were watched on by new signing Garang Kuol. We have seriously struggled at the Emirates in years gone by, but this was a different Newcastle.
Howe’s side were dogged and determined to get something out of the game. As Shearer says, it was a great defensive display from a team that is hard to beat. That is why we have only lost once all season.
Newcastle frustrated Arsenal, and had Arteta spitting feathers. The Spaniard was furious with his opponents, who stopped his team from playing the football that has taken them to the top of the Premier League.
Our success this season has been built on a solid defence. And on the odd occasion it is breached, Pope is there to bail us out. He did that at times on Tuesday night, and proved what a fantastic goalkeeper he is.