Eddie Howe shares how he really feels about Nick Pope after mixed Newcastle display vs Arsenal

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe refused to criticise Nick Pope after his side’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. 

It was another eventful game between the two sides at St James’ Park. Newcastle United lost 2-1 to Arsenal, letting a lead slip after Nick Woltemade’s header had put Howe’s side ahead. 

Pope had a strange game, too. The England goalkeeper was brilliant for much of it, pulling off a series of fine saves until the closing stages. 

However, Pope was criticised for some of his decisions against Arsenal. Indeed, his attempt to try and launch a counter in the closing stages of the game led to their second goal and he will no doubt be disappointed with the manner in which Gabriel scored from that corner. 

Still, Howe wasn’t in the mood to single anyone out for criticism. 

• Who is Nick Pope? Get to know the Newcastle United No.1 goalkeeper

Eddie Howe backs Nick Pope after Arsenal mistakes

The Newcastle United manager was interviewed by beIN Sports after the game. 

He was asked whether he thought Pope made a mistake when he was trying to launch the counter.

Had he simply kept a hold of the ball, Newcastle stood a much better chance of at least seeing the game out for a draw. 

However, Howe did not want to dig at Pope and instead talked of the series of fine saves he made during the game.

“I’d prefer to reflect on the positives,” he said. 

“Nick has made some unbelievable saves for us today. We’re indebted to how he’s kept goal.

“You can always critique. In any goal, you can critique the team’s function, you can critique individuals but it’s always about the collective.

“We’re just disappointed collectively that we didn’t defend better for the two goals.”

Arsenal star blown away by Nick Pope’s performance for Newcastle United

The 33-year-old made seven saves for Newcastle, so hardly had a terrible game.

Indeed, had he not been in goal, Howe’s side may have fallen behind even sooner.

Such was the level of his display, Arsenal star Bukayo Saka singled out Pope for his performance for Newcastle. 

“In the past, we’ve come here and had decisions to go against us and whatnot, and almost today, with the penalty and some of the decisions, and Nick Pope having an unbelievable game,” said the Arsenal star. 

Howe is right not to have too many complaints. Pope isn’t the perfect goalkeeper and mistakes were made, but the positives surely outweigh the negatives.