Newcastle United’s Nick Pope was not the only goalkeeper making Champions League blunders this week.
The 33-year-old was at fault for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s first goal on Tuesday night, as Marseille beat Newcastle United 2-1 at the Stade Velodrome.
The Ligue 1 side came from behind to win in the Champions League, with Nick Pope’s mistake laying the foundation for them to complete their comeback. The Toon goalkeeper needlessly raced out of his box to try to intercept a through ball, but failed spectacularly.
That allowed Aubameyang to score, while he would find the net again just four minutes later to make it Marseille 2 Newcastle United 1.
It was an embarrassing mistake from Nick Pope, but Wednesday night’s Champions League action proved it can happen to anyone.
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Stuart Pearce on Nick Pope’s mistake, do you agree? Use the comment button below to join the debate.
Manuel Neuer copies Nick Pope in the Champions League
24 hours after Newcastle United’s loss to Marseille, Arsenal were in European action.
They faced Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, continuing their almighty start to the season with a 3-1 victory over the Bundesliga giants. Not only are Arsenal top of the Premier League, but they are also top of the Champions League with a 100% record.
Mikel Arteta’s side are doing incredibly well, but they got a slight helping hand from Manuel Neuer on Wednesday night.
With Arsenal winning 2-1, they raced forward in search of a third. Eberechi Eze clipped a ball over the top for Gabriel Martinelli, who was confronted by the World Cup winner high up the pitch.
However, Martinelli skipped beyond Neuer with ease to give himself an open goal to make it 3-1 to Arsenal.
It was an embarrassing error from Neuer, who is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.
Even he is not immune to being caught in no man’s land, not that it will make Pope feel any better about his mistake.
Which mistake was worse, Nick Pope’s or Manuel Neuer’s?! Comment below!
Even the world’s best goalkeepers makes mistakes…
Elite goalkeepers bounce back as Nick Pope prepares for Everton vs Newcastle United
This mistake will not define Neuer. He will immediately bounce back and return to the elite level he is capable of. There will be no panicking at Bayern Munich.
But the situation is different at Newcastle United. Pope is obviously not on Neuer’s level, while high profile mistakes are becoming worryingly regular. In each of the Magpies’ last three away games, Pope has made a mistake that has resulted in a goal.
That has led to calls for Aaron Ramsdale to replace him, but it has been reported that Pope is likely to start against Everton on Saturday.
He will be under huge pressure to perform if Eddie Howe opts to stick with his number one.
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