Newcastle United bounced back in style to beat Nottingham Forest convincingly at St James’ Park.
Following last week’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, Newcastle United faced another Champions League contender on Sunday afternoon.
Having dropped down to eighth in the Premier League table, Nottingham Forest’s visit felt extra important in the bid to return to Europe.
Just as they did at the City Ground in November, Forest took an early lead through Callum Hudson-Odoi, but a remarkable 12-minute scoring spree saw Newcastle take a 4-1 lead into half-time with Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak on the scoresheet.
Nikola Milenkovic and Ryan Yates cut the deficit to 4-3, but Newcastle held out to secure three important points.
It was an emphatic response from Newcastle, but fans still struggled to wrap their head around one decision made by Eddie Howe.
Newcastle United fans question Nick Pope starting
With Sandro Tonali picking up a knock, Howe was forced to make changes to his midfield, but he also decided to recall Nick Pope back to the starting lineup.
It was Pope’s first Premier League start since the 4-2 defeat to Brentford in early December, and he made a costly error early on for Hudson-Odoi’s opener.
Newcastle fans on social media questioned Howe’s decision to start Pope with Martin Dubravka dropped back to the bench.
Supporters were quick to question Pope’s positioning, with one fan writing: “Absolutely shocking goalkeeping from Nick Pope for that goal. Where on earth was he standing?”
One supporter suggested Pope wouldn’t be out of place at Socceraid, writing: “I can’t even begin to tell you how insane Nick Pope’s positioning is on this goal. It’s like something you’d see in Socceraid”
Fans began to question Howe’s decision to start Pope, with one writing: “Howe should be sacked for putting Nick Pope back in the starting XI alone Utterly pathetic decision”
Another added: “No idea why Nick Pope has been brought back in”
Finally, one fan wrote: “Nick Pope should be nowhere near this starting XI shocking goalkeeping”
Nick Pope’s time is running out at Newcastle
Pope has some fierce competition for his starting spot. Dubravka will want to return as soon as possible, especially after watching Pope struggle against Forest.
The goalkeeping competition will only get tougher in the summer with Newcastle on the lookout for a new shot-stopper.
READ MORE: Martin Dubravka reveals what his relationship with Nick Pope is really like at Newcastle United
Newcastle are planning to sign James Trafford this summer and the Burnley star will expect to be the first-choice next season.
Pope has a contract valid until 2026 but he may spend his final year on Tyneside playing second fiddle – or even as a third-choice if Dubravka stays put.
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