Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were left impressed by goalkeeper Nick Pope as Newcastle United recorded a goalless draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night, as they told Premier League Productions (03/01/23 at 9:45 pm).
The Newcastle legend labelled Pope’s late save against Eddie Nketiah as ‘magnificent’, with the Arsenal poacher denied at close-blank range by the England international.
During most parts of the game, the current Premier League leaders couldn’t break down Eddie Howe’s defensively-sound, well-drilled and error-less backline.
But the best keepers stand tall during the crunch moments and that was certainly the big moment in the game.
From Nketiah’s perspective, he did all he could do because he tried to guide the ball low to the keeper’s left, only to be denied by the cat-like reflexes from Pope.
It was a moment during the game that was appreciated by Shearer, as well as Wright who didn’t think Nketiah could do much more.
“Very pleased, they put a shift in tonight those Newcastle players,” said Shearer. “They defended really well. They had to rely on the magnificent Nick Pope again. He didn’t have a lot to do, but when he was asked to make one superb save, he did that. That’s the only time they got through that Newcastle back four.
“What a signing he has been for Newcastle. The number of times he has done this. When the team have managed to get through that defence, then you need your keeper. You need to rely on your keeper, at times. That makes the difference between good and very good goalkeepers.
“Not had a lot to do during the game, but that is a magnificent save. Just keep it out. Do anything to keep the ball out. That’s exactly what he’s done. It’s good from Arsenal, it’s a good strike that is. But he has done ever so well. A good strike from Nketiah, he gets into that good position, a decent touch and then gets his shot away with his left foot. But that’s fantastic.”
Ian Wright: “I don’t think so (Nketiah could have done more). You could see the way the ball has come through, his touch was very good. It was a very clean contact on it. The goalkeepers now, especially someone like Nick Pope, to beat him there, the way they use their feet now, he would have had to have got that ball higher or something. I think it was a great save and a great effort from Eddie.”
NICK POPE BEST POUND-FOR-POUND SIGNING
After Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, Newcastle didn’t hesitate to in securing the services of Pope for as little as £10 million (Sky Sports).
That makes the 30-year-old one of the, if not the, best pound-for-pound signing from the summer.
If the Magpies are to secure Champions League football, or Europe this season, then someone like Pope will continue to play a huge role.
He has kept ten clean sheets this season – the most by any keeper – Manchester United’s David de Gea is next on the list with eight, alongside Aaron Ramsdale.
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