It seems as though whatever Loris Karius does in his career, the Newcastle United back-up goalkeeper will be remembered for that moment in the Champions League final for Liverpool.
Understandably, since that nightmare moment for the 30-year-old, he has hardly played competitive games, with his latest game coming over the weekend during Newcastle United’s defeat to Arsenal.
Ian Wright thinks Loris Karius is in a ‘really unfortunate’ situation because he always finds himself in these sticky moments, as he told Premier League Productions (26/02/24 at 2:40 pm).
The last time he played was the League Cup final defeat to Manchester United last season and was then called upon on Saturday because Martin Dubravka was ill, with Alan Shearer questioning Eddie Howe’s comments.
Newcastle ended up conceding four goals, with Premier League title-chasing Arsenal more hungry and angry than ever after their recent midweek defeat to Porto in the Champions League.
In truth, the German couldn’t do much about the goals because Eddie Howe’s side just crumbled from a defensive aspect, to the annoyance of Alan Shearer.
As a result of it all, Ian Wright feels sorry for Newcastle’s backup keeper and how people just seem to ‘blame’ him.
Loris Karius’ game time
“You know what’s really unfortunate about Karius,” said Wright. “He seems to come into games, no matter what happens, he is going to get the blame for it.
“You put him into a game like that, with an Arsenal coming off a Porto loss and having to get it right at home. They are going to be under a lot of pressure.
“Newcastle, like you said they do look tired, compared to an Arsenal side that look like they are full of energy and a goalkeeper who is going to be under a lot of pressure.
“Unfortunately for him, there isn’t much he could have done about those goals, that’s the way it is.”
Newcastle United’s defence
This is probably the main reason why Newcastle just haven’t been good enough this season and have struggled in the Premier League.
After 26 games, they have conceded 45 goals, after just shipping 33 goals last season, which proves the decline in the club’s backline.
Yes, injuries in midfield haven’t helped or the absence of Sandro Tonali, but they have been full strength at the back for a while now.
Players like Sven Botman played their worst game at the weekend, whilst Kieran Trippier has also been off-colour and made mistakes.
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