Newcastle United claimed a vital win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
Locked on points and on goal difference heading into the game at St James’ Park, Newcastle United blew the Blues out of the water in the opening exchanges.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side took the lead through Sandro Tonali in the first few minutes of the game before Bruno Guimaraes wrapped up the points with a deflected strike from distance in the dying embers.
Between the goals, however, Newcastle’s performance fluctuated somewhat. Excellent in the first half, especially after Nicolas Jackson was sent off for the Blues, the hosts dropped their intensity after the break and almost allowed the visitors back into the game.
Still, they managed to see it out with another resolute defensive performance, while Nick Pope stood strong in goal. Speaking after the game, the Newcastle United manager was effusive in his praise of the goalkeeper.
Eddie Howe makes Nick Pope statement
Pope produced two fine saves to deny both Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez from levelling the scores before Guimaraes sealed a crucial three points.
Much has been made about the club’s goalkeeping department recently. Leeds want to sign Pope, while Newcastle are looking to sign James Trafford.
Still, asked about the goalkeeper after the game, Howe said he wouldn’t want anyone else between the posts right now than the England international.
“Nick made two magnificent saves,” he said to the club’s in-house media channel.
He added: “Massive saves. I mean, that’s what he does and for me he’s a giant man, but he’s also a giant presence for us in our goal.
“You’d want no one else in those situations. The span of his arms and the reach that he’s got, they’re two great saves.”
Nick Pope proves Shay Given right amid James Trafford doubts
Trafford wants first team football to sign for Newcastle, which is understandable considering his stunning exploits at Burnley in their promotion-winning season.
| Saves | High claims | Saves inside the box |
| 3 | 2 | 2 |
However, bowing to such demands would be a big call from the club. Shay Given doesn’t think Newcastle should sign Trafford this summer and, when Pope plays like that, it’s certainly a logical conclusion to come to.
Pope has his faults but has largely been excellent for the club. He’s done little to warrant dropping him and crucial saves like the ones against Chelsea underline just what an important player he is.
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