Probably the most loaded query in soccer is “who would need to be a goalkeeper?” It resonated loudly while you contemplated Nick Pope’s night .
It doesn’t matter what you do nicely in case you make one expensive mistake that results in a defeat and after a elegant show of shot stopping, all it took was 90 seconds for Pope to spoil every part that had come earlier than.
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Pope had been every part you’ll need out of your final line of defence towards Arsenal. The goalkeeper made two world-class saves within the first half to forestall Eberechi Eze giving the guests a deserved lead.
The primary, getting down rapidly to show a low shot around the put up was agile and sharp, however the second, leaping to his proper because the shot got here by a crowded penalty space – he would have seen it very late – was arguably even higher.
He made one other good one to maintain out Bukayo Saka’s snap shot at his close to put up when Arsenal had been on prime and threatening to overwhelm Newcastle.
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Newcastle followers sang their appreciation. “In the midst of our aim, Nick Pope, in the midst of our aim, Nick Pope” rang out from all sides of St James’ Park.
The perfect of the lot, although, got here within the second half, simply earlier than the hour mark. Arsenal had been increase a head of steam, the stress was relentless and Newcastle didn’t have an outlet to alleviate it. A clipped move from Martin Zubimendi was divine, intelligent and correct, and Jurrien Timber met it with the right glancing header, the ball bouncing down and heading into the nook of the aim. He thought he had scored, however Pope someway adjusted his dive, following the bounce and the spin of the ball, clawing it away and out for a nook on the final second. It was impeccable goalkeeping.
Pope reacted beautifully to avoid wasting from Jurrien Timber – PA/Owen Humphreys
If Newcastle had been going to go on to win this sport, no one would have achieved extra to safe the three factors than Pope.
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Even after Arsenal had scored a late equaliser, a glancing header from Mikel Merino that went in off the put up and was unimaginable for Pope to avoid wasting, the 33-year-old regarded like he had achieved sufficient to earn some extent.
However that is Newcastle and, at dwelling, roared on by the group, they went in the hunt for a winner. It’s what you’ll count on from this staff.
An extended throw from Pope had nearly set Anthony Elanga away, drawing a foul that relieved the stress on their very own aim.
With two minutes remaining, the same scenario unfolded. Pope regarded for the short ball ahead once more, the group roaring him on to take action, however this time went for a kick. It was a low one, a poor one and went straight to Declan Rice simply contained in the Arsenal half.
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From that assault got here the nook that led to the winner for Mikel Arteta’s facet. Having made one mistake, Pope made one other, coming off his line to attempt to punch the ball clear, getting nowhere close to the ball and Gabriel’s header dropped into the web.
Having been in a profitable place, Newcastle had thrown all of it away and Pope may solely stand with fingers on hips questioning how on earth it had occurred.
His supervisor didn’t just like the query about his goalkeeper’s position of their late demise, however answered it the most effective he may.
“That’s a primary instance of hindsight being an exquisite factor,” mentioned Eddie Howe. “If you’re enjoying you will have seconds to decide that impacts the sport.
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“Nick has been very constructive in every part he has achieved and made plenty of excellent saves. He had distributed the ball in the same method with a throw that had been actually efficient and that’s the lifetime of a goalkeeper. Nonetheless, from the ensuing nook we should always have handled the scenario higher.”
Errors by goalkeepers don’t do as a lot injury in case you are scoring freely, however Newcastle should not and don’t appear to be doing so anytime quickly.
The tip result’s all that issues and it’s why this harm a lot. Simply because it did when in August. The anguish at all times comes with a defeat, in fact, however there’s additionally the considered dropping Tino Livramento for the remainder of the season with what regarded like a critical knee damage.
Newcastle have received one league sport, they’re fifth from backside within the desk and have one much less level than disaster membership Manchester United.
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This abruptly seems like the beginning of a really huge week. They journey to Union St-Gilloise within the Champions League on Wednesday evening in determined want of a constructive lead to Europe. After which one other dwelling sport towards Nottingham Forest on Sunday, when one other defeat would ship them into the worldwide break in a foul temper.
“It’s been a tricky begin to the season,” added Howe. “We really feel like we’ve got taken some blows but when we are able to soak up these blows and are available again sturdy, it is going to stand us in good stead.”