Newcastle United continued their incredible run of form with a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
With just six games remaining this season, Newcastle United are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League.
Eddie Howe was missing at St James’ Park again as he continues to recover from pneumonia at hopsital, but the players rallied behind Jason Tindall to deliver another excellent performance.
There were five different goalscorers on the night, with Marc Guehi scoring an own-goal against Newcastle for the second time this season after being heavily linked with a move to Tyneside.
But Newcastle fans on social media were split when it came to Nick Pope’s involvement.
Newcastle United fans react to Nick Pope
Newcastle were dominant against Crystal Palace but it still wasn’t exactly a quiet night for goalkeeper Pope.
Pope conceded a penalty against Brentford last week and he did the same against Palace, colliding with Chris Richards in the box.
The opinion of Newcastle fans was split on social media, with some slamming the 32-year-old for his error, while others praised him for saving Eberechi Eze’s penalty attempt.
“I can not wait for the day we have a competent goalkeeper between the sticks. Nick Pope is such a liability,” one fan said.
Some fans are running out of patience with Pope, with one writing: “Nick Pope needs replaced in the summer.”
Another fan agreed, writing: “He’s a liability get rid of him…”.
Some were calling for Martin Dubravka to return to the starting lineup after Pope’s foul: “Can we have Dubravka back please?”
However, other areas of Newcastle’s fanbase praised Pope for his save, with one even calling for a new contract.
Another added: “Best in the world”…
Nick Pope match stats for Newcastle vs Crystal Palace
Pope will be pleased to keep another clean sheet between the sticks for Newcastle, but his future at St James’ Park is certainly not secure.
Newcastle have been heavily linked to James Trafford, with the Burnley star towards the top of Paul Mitchell’s shopping list.
Pope has six games remaining to fight for his future as Newcastle’s No.1, and his match stats against Palace suggest there is one major flaw in his performance.
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Saves | 3 |
| Penalty saves | 1 |
| Touches | 44 |
| Passes completed | 77% (20/26) |
| Long passes completed | 45% (5/11) |
Pope has been criticised for his poor composure with the ball at his feet and he only managed a 77% passing accuracy against Palace despite Newcastle’s domination.
His long passing was also below par with only five of his 11 attempts connecting with a teammate.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
