Malick Thiaw saw the danger coming for Newcastle United when Nick Pope rushed out against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Pope’s mistake against Marseille is surely the major talking point from Newcastle’s Champions League defeat at the Stade Velodrome.
Seconds into the second half, Pope rushed out to try and beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the ball, only to be rounded by the former Arsenal striker.
Who was the most DISAPPOINTING Newcastle player vs Marseille?
Though it was still a fine finish from an acute angle, Pope made life much easier for Aubameyang.
It’s the latest mistake Pope has made this season and his erratic decision making is starting to frustrate supporters.
Quite why he came rushing out is unclear, and Thiaw saw the danger coming.
- READ MORE: Eddie Howe reveals what will happen with Nick Pope now after latest Newcastle United mistake
Malick Thiaw was telling Nick Pope to stay in goal for Newcastle United
On the television coverage, Thiaw could clearly be seen waving to Pope to stay in goal as Aubameyang chased the ball, though the Newcastle goalkeeper was too far out to change course.
Fans watching on will have undoubtedly been saying the same thing.
The German, perhaps Newcastle’s best player this season, clearly knew what was coming even if Aubameyang still had an awful lot to do.
Strangely, Pope appears to be shouting at the forward to try and put him off, as if a player of his stature would let that have any sort of impact.
What was Nick Pope thinking?
The major mistakes Nick Pope has now made for Newcastle United this season
Pope has been at fault for a number of goals scored against Newcastle this season.
Though it’s also important to point out that he’s made a series of fine saves too, his mistakes cannot be ignored.
Nick Pope gets Eddie Howe’s seal of approval but is the Newcastle United manager making a mistake?
Indeed, Pope was criticised for Arsenal’s winning goal during their comeback win over Newcastle in October.
He rolled the ball out too quickly, with the Gunners claiming it back before winning a corner from which Pope was beaten too easily.
Pope also made a mistake for Newcastle against West Ham, with Lucas Paqueta scoring from range with a shot he should arguably have done better with.
There was also Kevin Schade’s goal at Brentford, scored after Pope was caught in no man’s land from a long throw.
That’s now at least three goals this season that Pope has played a questionable role in.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
