Newcastle United ended a testing week in positive fashion on Saturday.
After losing their last two Premier League games and being ruthlessly knocked out of Europe only days before, Newcastle turned on the style in the second-half to beat Fulham.
It turned out to be a brilliant day at St James’ Park, made special by Lewis Miley’s first professional goal and Sven Botman’s long-awaited return from injury.
Though Fabian Schar and Joelinton went off injured, it was at least promising to see Eddie Howe’s side get back up and running ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final away at Chelsea on Tuesday.
A clean sheet does not go unnoticed either given the various doubts surrounding Martin Dubravka since he replaced Nick Pope due to injury.
Interestingly, one man was impressed.
Martin Dubravka: David de Gea responds to Newcastle star’s performance vs Fulham
After the game, Dubravka took to Instagram to celebrate.
Newcastle put up a post in conjunction with the goalkeeper in which Dubravka hails the win to camera, to which a certain David de Gea replied: “Dubrakinhaaaaa!!!” accompanied by a ‘Top’ emoji.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper played with Dubravka at Old Trafford during the latter’s brief loan spell there last season and has since been linked with a move to Newcastle following Pope’s injury.
David de Gea to Newcastle: Transfer could be unlikely
Though there may be merit in trying to sign an experienced stand-in for Pope given the doubts about Dubravka, it may not be on Newcastle’s radar any longer.
De Gea and Hugo Lloris were both touted as targets but reports from talkSPORT earlier this week suggested the club no longer view signing a goalkeeper for the interim period as a priority due to going out of Europe.
Still, considering the links, any mention of De Gea and Newcastle together is worth mentioning.
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