Sky pundit convinced £10m Newcastle star was to blame for Wolves goal

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A frustrating week continued for Newcastle United on Saturday night.

After losing to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, Eddie Howe’s side dropped more Premier League points by drawing away at Wolves.

Newcastle twice threw away the lead at Molineux, failing to see the game out. Howe was also only able to name a rather limited bench, given the number of injuries he’s contending with.

While the result was by no means a disaster, it felt an avoidable one.

Indeed, Sky Sports pundit believes Nick Pope should have done much better for the hosts’ second goal.

Newcastle vs Wolves: Don Goodman criticises Nick Pope

Pope failed to catch a cross when Wolves were on the attack, flapping at it and punching away unconvincingly.

The home side were then able to recycle the ball, putting Newcastle’s defence under more pressure and eventually leading to the second equaliser on the night.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Goodman said: “If Pope catches the ball this just doesn’t happen. He’s under no pressure, it’s the weakest pressure.

“How good is this from a central defender in Toti and then it’s all about Hwang. He sits the defender down. It’s a brilliant goal and could have been avoided if Pope catches the football.”

Nick Pope: £10m Newcastle star remains unconvincing

For a reported £10m, Pope has been a fantastic signing for Newcastle.

Still, and while he had recently recovered from a poor start to this season, the England stopper does not always convince.

It sounds strange to criticise him considering how many fantastic saves he’s pulled off for the club but that does not mean everything is always perfect.

Pope’s strange decision to rush out in the first-half almost handed Wolves a penalty when Bruno Guimaraes was forced into action and block a cross with the goal gaping.

It was certainly not the most confident of displays from Pope.