Newcastle United might have picked up a point against Arsenal on Sunday had it not been for one mistake.
For the second time this season, the Magpies conceded an agonisingly late winner at St James’ Park. Gabriel scored a header in the 96th minute, as Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-1 on Tyneside.
It was heartbreaking for the Toon Army, who had seen their side go in front thanks to a Nick Woltemade header.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino made it 1-1, before Gabriel completed the comeback.
In the buildup to the winner, Nick Pope was at fault. He cheaply gave away possession and allowed Arsenal to attack again. He was then unable to atone for his error, caught in no man’s land as he attempted to claim the resulting corner.
Nick Pope was Newcastle United’s hero and villain against Arsenal
It was a cruel end to the game for Pope, who had played incredibly well against Arsenal.
That is the view of former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who has hailed the Newcastle United goalkeeper for his performance up until that mistake on the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast.
“Nick Pope, I thought again yesterday, was absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“But again, the second goal, mistake. Again, it comes down to decision making. He caught the ball and there was no need, 96 minutes, there was no need to try to set up a counter attack.
“Lost it there, comes back, corner kick, and he didn’t try, okay, you know what? It was my mistake. Let me try to make amends for it. Comes out, no man’s land.”
Mikel added: “I thought he was absolutely fantastic yesterday, Nick Pope. Played really, made some brilliant saves. And that’s what you call a top, top goalkeeper, making top, top saves.”
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It was a huge lapse in judgement from Pope, and his decision ultimately cost Newcastle United. It was harsh to see him at fault, considering the number of times he had already saved his side during the game.
The £10million goalkeeper made some world class saves to keep Arsenal at bay, as Newcastle rode their luck. However, that luck ultimately ran out.
But will Pope’s error cost him his place in the starting XI? Almost certainly not. Eddie Howe praised Pope for his performance, refusing to dwell on his error.
The Magpies do have Aaron Ramsdale in reserve, but he will have to wait for an opportunity to enjoy a sustained spell in the starting XI. The summer signing did make his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Bradford City, but returned to the bench against Arsenal.
That is likely where Ramsdale will remain until Newcastle United face Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
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