Nick Pope hit back at his critics with his performance in Newcastle United’s win over Manchester City.
Following Nick Pope’s errors against West Ham and Brentford, there was a huge clamour for Aaron Ramsdale to get a chance in the starting XI. However, Eddie Howe decided to stick with his number one.
That proved to be the correct decision, with the 33-year-old impressing as Newcastle United beat Man City on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola praised Pope for his display, and he proved his worth within the first few minutes of the game.
- Who is Nick Pope? Get to know the Newcastle United No.1 goalkeeper
Who was your Newcastle United MOTM against Manchester City?
Nick Pope denied Erling Haaland before his impressive save
During the first half at St James’ Park, Pope made a great save to deny Erling Haaland. That was a pivotal moment at 0-0, especially given how good the Norwegian superstar has been this season.
However, Pope had already been involved in an even bigger moment earlier in the game.
Within minutes of the match starting, Haaland was played through on goal. A huge space had opened up in the Newcastle United defence, handing Haaland the kind of opportunity that he relishes.
Instead, he fluffed his lines. Haaland skewed his shot massively wide, and that was simply because of the pressure Pope put him under.
The England international raced off his line and outside of his box to close down Haaland, doing his best to put the Man City striker off. He did exactly that, as Haaland failed to score.
Had that early chance gone in, it would have been a very different game.
What Eddie Howe and the pundits said about Newcastle United’s statement win over Manchester City.
Nick Pope’s sweeping ability makes him pivotal for Newcastle United
Pope’s ability as a sweeper keeper makes him invaluable to Newcastle United. It allows the back four to play higher up the pitch, as they can be confident that Pope will close down the space behind them.
It was a luxury the Magpies did not have when Martin Dubravka was in goal, with the Slovakian much less confident at coming off his line.
While a lot is made about Pope’s kicking, he makes up for it with his sweeping. That attribute is just as important, despite it not being quite as easy on the eye as passing it out from the back.
Pope’s decision making stopped Haaland from scoring, and it is a big reason why he remains Eddie Howe’s number one.
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