Nick Pope’s return to the Newcastle United starting XI did not go to plan.
The England international was recalled to the Newcastle United starting lineup on Sunday, replacing Martin Dubravka for the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 4-3, but got off to a horrendous start at St James’ Park.
That was largely down to Nick Pope, whose positioning was all wrong as Callum Hudson-Odoi capitalised on Jacob Murphy’s mistake to score from distance and give his side the lead.
It was not the start that Pope wanted, after Eddie Howe had put so much faith in him.
Eddie Howe makes Nick Pope claim after Newcastle United error
Some Newcastle fans were unhappy about Pope starting, but it sounds like the 32-year-old will be keeping his place in the side.
That is based on what Eddie Howe said about Pope before Newcastle’s game against Liverpool, insisting that the stopper has a big role to play in the ‘coming weeks’.
“For me, [he is] one of the best shot-stoppers, if not the best shot-stopper, in the Premier League,” he said.
“He’s always had the ability, historically, to make big saves. They are his big strengths, and we are going to need them in the coming weeks.”
Newcastle United right to stick with Pope ahead of Martin Dubravka
His mistake on Sunday was not pretty. While Howe insists that Pope is one of the Premier League’s best shot-stoppers, that only matters if he can get in position to actually stop the shot!
But Pope did respond to his error. His quick distribution contributed towards the Magpies’ second and fourth goals against Nottingham Forest, with Dan Burn celebrating with Pope.
Regardless, Howe is right. Pope is an outstanding shot-stopper. He is certainly better than Dubravka, who he replaced in the Toon starting XI.
While Dubravka is better with his feet, Newcastle will need to rely on Pope’s qualities more. He can produce match-winning saves, and it is vital that he regains his sharpness ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle could be under the cosh against a side as good as Liverpool, which is why they need a top level shot-stopper. They have got that in Pope, and he will hope to impress at Wembley after missing the 2023 final due to suspension.
As the final looms, Howe’s comment suggests that Pope is not going to lose his place in the Newcastle United starting XI so soon after regaining it.
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