Pundit says transfer rumour impacted Nick Pope’s performance for Newcastle

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Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has given his verdict on Nick Pope’s recent performance for Newcastle United.

Nick Pope started in goal for Newcastle United in their recent clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 31-year-old endured a difficult day at the Amex Stadium as Brighton ran out 3-1 winners, thanks to an Evan Ferguson hat-trick.

Pope was particularly at fault for Brighton’s first goal. His poor clearance gave possession away, which led to a shooting opportunity for the hosts. Pope ought to have caught the initial effort on his goal comfortably, but he spilled the ball to the feet of Ferguson who fired home from close range. 

Whilst he has generally been excellent for the Magpies, and is Eddie Howe’s undisputed first choice shot-stopper, this is not the first costly mistake Pope has made as a Newcastle player. 

During the summer transfer window, Newcastle were linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur veteran Hugo Lloris, as reported by The Times. Whilst the Frenchman would have been brought in as a back-up option at St James’ Park, the transfer talk may have unsettled Pope prior to the Brighton game.

At least, that’s what Mark Schwarzer has credited Pope’s error to. Speaking on the Optus Sport podcast, the Australian said, “maybe the talk of Hugo Lloris potentially coming to Newcastle, maybe that sort of was in his head a little bit…it was uncharacteristic of Pope to have a performance like that.”

Can Newcastle still rely on Nick Pope?

There is certainly no sense of panic at Newcastle about having to rely on Pope this season. However, it will be interesting to see how he copes in the Champions League.

There is an argument that Pope is not especially well-suited to the increasingly popular modern interpretation of the goalkeeping role, which requires ‘keepers to excel with the ball at their feet. Against high pressing European sides, he could see his ability on the ball tested in the spotlight of the continent’s premier club competition.

In general though, despite his mistake against Brighton, Newcastle should be able to rely on Pope to provide a safe pair of hands this season.