Newcastle United lost 2-1 at home to Arsenal in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Martin Dubravka between the sticks.
Rafa Benitez might not be too happy about being forced to prioritise bargains and loan signings at Newcastle United. But the Spaniard must be absolutely thrilled by how Martin Dubravka has settled at St. James’ Park since his January move from Sparta Prague.
The Slovakian international arrived on loan at the start of 2018 before making his temporary move permanent in the summer. And Dubravka’s £4 million price-tag looks like a real bargain, particularly when you consider how much the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton have recently paid for new goalkeepers.
Dubravka has been a safe pair of hands between the sticks over the last eight months. But perhaps he could have done better during Newcastle’s 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, having been wrong-footed by Mesut Ozil’s match-winner.
Dubravka himself certainly feels that he let himself down.
“I was disappointed [about Ozil’s goal], as I was so close to saving it, but I couldn’t see anything. It was just a reflex. I was really close to saving it,” the 29-year-old told the Chronicle.
There was certainly nothing Dubravka could have done about Arsenal’s first goal; a long-range free-kick thumped home by Granit Xhaka.
As it stands, Newcastle are stuck in the relegation zone, having lost four out of five Premier League games and drawing the other.
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