Nick Pope was Newcastle United’s hero against AC Milan on Tuesday night, but he was not the only reason the Magpies were able to keep a clean sheet at the San Siro.
Newcastle held AC Milan to a 0-0 draw in their opening Champions League game, producing a battling display to earn a point.
The Magpies deserved it for their resolute defending, although AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli is adamant this his side should have won the game.
But they were unable to find a way past Pope, who was in inspired form during his Champions League debut. The 31-year-old made eight saves to deny the Rossoneri, earning back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since January.
However, there was a moment when Pope was beaten and he had to rely on one of his Toon teammates.
Rafael Leao’s staggering miss leads to Jacob Murphy’s goal-line clearance
Rafael Leao produced the game’s most comical moment on Tuesday night.
A smart move by AC Milan saw the Portugal international burst through on goal. He then led the Newcastle defence a merry dance, jinking and jiving through challenges with immense skill.
Leao looked certain to open the scoring, only for the 24-year-old to attempt an audacious backheel. Rather than find the back of the net, he stumbled to the floor in embarrassment.
The aftermath then led to another chance, with AC Milan finally finding a way past Pope. However, Jacob Murphy, who couldn’t hide his joy before the game, was there on the line to clear away the danger.
Nick Pope praises his Newcastle ‘kitten’
After the game, Pope spoke to NUFC TV and joked about Murphy’s contribution in between the sticks to deny AC Milan in the first half.
“Jacob’s always said he wants to be a kitten,” he said.
“So I was glad to see him back there on the line acting as one.
“So many different moments where we put bodies on the line. Made it difficult for them to score. Something to be proud of.”
While Pope might joke about Murphy always saying he wants to be a goalkeeper, or ‘kitten’, his intervention was massive.
The 28-year-old showed great instinct to get on the line, ensuring he was in the right place at the right time to keep Newcastle’s sheet clean.
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