Newcastle United took a 1-0 lead in their Champions League clash with Olympique Marseille last night.
However, goalkeeper Nick Pope’s error after the break turned the game on its head.
He rushed out to face Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but the veteran striker won the race and lashed it into an empty net.
Pope had no reason to come flying out of his goal to stop Aubameyang, as a defender had it covered.
Despite previously being described as ‘top-class‘, his decision-making and shot-stopping have been suspect since his return from injury.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has refused to pick Aaron Ramsdale in goal and defended Pope in his post-match press conference.
Howe said (via The Independent): “It’s a concern when we concede goals regardless of who’s at fault. 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.”
Ramsdale deserves the chance to shine
Howe has the right to defend his shot-stopper but risks enraging fans by not trying a different option in goal.
It was already clear the club needed a new number one last summer, and after missing out on James Trafford, they signed Ramsdale.
He has made only two appearances for Newcastle this season. The first was in the League Cup when the Magpies knocked Tottenham Hotspur out.
Ramsdale kept a clean sheet and was stellar between the sticks. Unfortunately, his Premier League debut for Newcastle was unimpressive as he conceded two goals in 13 minutes.
Despite this, he deserves another shot. Howe has to shake something up and risks further angering fans already frustrated by the results.
Newcastle travel to take on Everton this weekend, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways.
The fans could get on Howe’s back if Ramsdale is not between the sticks. It is time for him to try something new.
