Some Newcastle United fans believe it is time for Martin Dubravka to be brought back into the starting XI.
The Slovakian stopper has started just one game since returning from his heel injury that has kept him out all season – against Arsenal in the FA Cup last month.
Steve Bruce has opted to keep the faith with Karl Darlow, with the 30-year-old having had a really good season personally for the Magpies.
Darlow has certainly had a lot to do this term, and one wonders how much closer Newcastle would be to the relegation zone had he not been on top form.
Official Premier League statistics indicate that he has made 78 saves so far in 22 games – which equates to 3.5 per 90.
In terms of saves made, he places fourth in the table behind only Ilan Meslier of Leeds United, Burnley’s Nick Pope and West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone.
There is no doubting the contributions Darlow has made to Newcastle’s season, but some are now suggesting it could be time for £38,000-a-week star Dubravka (Spotrac) to reclaim the number one jersey.
Some have said it from the moment he got back fit again, but calls have grown louder after the Crystal Palace defeat.
Some felt that Darlow might have tried to claim the cross that Gary Cahill scored from, and others have also pointed to small mistakes in recent games and a lack of authority.
On social media, a section have Magpies supporters would like to see Dubravka’s return against Southampton, who are down the absolute bare bones this weekend as a result of injuries and suspensions:
Darlow doesn’t deserve to be dropped but, as we saw when Martin arrived, a new face can make a huge difference. Dubravka & Willock will freshen up a side too used to losing and we need that asap. #nufc
— NUFC Away (@NUFC_1987) February 4, 2021
Dubravka must return to the side now imo as harsh as it is on Darlow he organises the defence a lot better and is just a better goalkeeper #nufc
— Greg O’ Grady (@Peglegmacgreg) February 3, 2021
I don’t want to sound disparaging, however; Darlow’s distribution is really poor and he isn’t vocal nor commanding in terms of organizing the defence. We will have more control with Dubravka playing. #nufc
— Dalo Akraye (@Dalo_Akraye) February 3, 2021
Whilst I understand those who say it would be harsh to drop Darlow, he’s now conceded 36 goals from 33.23 xGA.
Last year, Dubravka conceded only 58 goals from 67.03 xGA.
Let’s get him back in goal. It might only be a marginal gain, but we need every little improvement. #NUFC
— NUFC (@ScoutNUFC) February 3, 2021
I think Darlow is one of the problems we have,All crosses become dangerous ,Dubravka can fix this problem, we need him now #NUFC
— الـENG من قلبّ الحدث (@N_Newcastle) February 3, 2021
I love Karl Darlow, undoubtedly player of the season and he deserved to stay No 1 when Dúbravka returned to fitness. Harsh to drop him? Yes. Should he now be dropped? With regret, yes in my view. Dúbravka is a more commanding figure who could benefit the defence in front. #NUFC
— James Martin ⚫⚪ (@i_jamesmartin) February 3, 2021
Definitely time for dubravka back between the sticks. Head and shoulders above the rest of them
— marc (@MarcNufc1981) February 3, 2021
Personally I’d chuck Dubravka back in.
Whilst people will say it’s harsh on Darlow, we need our best keeper playing. If Dubravka happens to make a miraculous save (and we know he’s capable), then it can change the whole dynamic and even result of the match.
— NUFC (@ScoutNUFC) February 3, 2021