Nick Pope continues to divide opinion at Newcastle United, particularly after Eddie Howe’s comments on the goalkeeper.
Pope is under pressure at Newcastle United, having made another high-profile error during Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Marseille.
The England international has also been questioned after conceding goals against the likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Brentford this season.
In Pope’s defence, he has also made a series of fine saves. In fact, only three goalkeepers boast more clean sheets than the 33-year-old in the Premier League right now (6).
Who should start in goal vs Everton? It’s very much up for debate🤔
However, it’s getting harder to defend the former Burnley custodian. Pope may be a fine shot stopper but mistakes are creeping into his game.
In Aaron Ramsdale, Howe has another England goalkeeper from which to choose but has largely overlooked him in meaningful games thus far.
Howe will continue to back Pope but his recent comments have not gone down well online.
Newcastle United fans unhappy as Eddie Howe says Nick Pope’s saves go under the radar
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “Nick’s shot-stopping has been incredible. They go under the radar because he delivers so many of them it’s expected. The life of a goalkeeper is always on a knife edge.
“He knows that, it’s nothing new to him. It’s [Pope’s start of the season] been very strong apart from a couple of high-profile moments.”
Those comments have invoked the ire of supporters on social media platform X.
“No, Eddie. It goes “under the radar” because he keeps dropping clangers leading to goals,” said one fan.
Another added: “Nick’s “shot stopping” is only what you’d expect from any top quality GK and I bet Ramsdale could do similar. Any spectator can see our defenders are too worried with what Nick’ll do next to concentrate on their own game.”
“”Couple’ of moments, bit of an understatement there, been more than a couple,” was another comment.
“I agree. But Pope is consistently making errors that lead to goals. Which is part of being a keeper… but what’s the point in having 2 capable stoppers if you’re not going to use both,” wrote one fan.
One supporter said: “Appreciate his perspective, but drop Nick Pope.”
Eddie Howe completely disagrees to fan theory, he’s NOT too loyal to his players 🗣️
Nick Pope’s stats compared to Aaron Ramsdale’s last season
Newcastle rate Ramsdale very highly but they are yet to test him out at elite level.
Ramsdale was last season playing for one of the worst sides in Premier League history at Southampton.
As such, he was always likely to be the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Last season, Ramsdale made 120 saves compared to Pope’s 86. Still, it was Pope who boasted the better save percentage (71.7% to 67.6%).
Ramsdale, while a brilliant goalkeeper, isn’t perfect despite the fact he’s clearly much more comfortable on the ball than Pope.
That’s not to criticise either goalkeeper, just to stress that suddenly bringing Ramsdale into the fold wouldn’t solve every single problem for Newcastle.
It is perhaps time for Pope to come out of the firing line but to expect Ramsdale to be absolutely perfect would also be unfair on him.
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