Eddie Howe has issued his verdict on Nick Pope’s latest mistake for Newcastle United following their Champions League defeat to Marseille.
Pope was at fault for Marseille’s first goal in Tuesday’s Champions League clash, rushing out of his goal to try and beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the ball.
The former Arsenal striker, however, rounded him with ease and slotted home superbly from a difficult angle.
Who was the most DISAPPOINTING Newcastle player vs Marseille?
While Aubameyang still had a lot to do, there’s little doubt it was needless from Pope, who has been criticised several times at Newcastle this season.
Though few would doubt he remains a fine shot-stopper on his day, his decision making is starting to look somewhat erratic.
Still, Howe won’t be making any rash judgement, it seems.
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Eddie Howe confirms he will continue to back Nick Pope
Speaking immediately after the game, the Newcastle United manager insisted he will continue to back Pope.
He brought up the saves he made against Manchester City a few days ago and insisted that making mistakes is simply the life of a goalkeeper.
“I think it’s a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who’s at fault,” he said.
“I think we have to look at everything with a balanced head.
“He saved us many times. He made some really good saves against Manchester City just two days ago. That’s the life of a goalkeeper. But I’ll certainly back him.”
What was Nick Pope thinking?
Eddie Howe risks Newcastle United fan backlash
To attribute all of Newcastle’s problems to Pope alone would be unfair.
However, Howe is playing with fire here. If Pope continues to make mistakes, fans will only get more frustrated that Aaron Ramsdale continues to sit on the bench.
The idea that Ramsdale could be overlooked again will no doubt annoy the Toon supporters even further.
Howe risks making life more difficult for himself. Though loyalty is to be admired, it can go too far at times.
To suggest Pope is suddenly a poor goalkeeper would also be unfair but that is part of the issue.
He will almost certainly make some good saves at times but he’s equally as likely to make glaring errors too.
Howe would surely be wise to take the 33-year-old out of the firing line, if only for a few weeks at least.
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