10-time international Nick Pope shines under the crossbar this season at defensively strong Newcastle United. After keeping a clean sheet for the tenth time in a row, the thirty-year-old goalkeeper was showered with compliments.
The last time Pope conceded a goal was on November 6, when Southampton managed to break Newcastle’s wall once (1-4). With eleven pieces, Newcastle is the leader in the Premier League this season in terms of fewest goals against. Arsenal follows in second place with sixteen goals conceded.
The Magpies also kept the goal clean in the League Cup. Reason for midfielder Bruno Guimarães to praise closing post Pope. “I’d like to thank Nick Pope, he’s been amazing to us. He is the best goalkeeper in the world,” said the Brazilian midfielder after the cup victory at Southampton in front of the Sky Sports camera.
Pope, who came over from Burnley last summer and only played in lower English divisions until six years ago, remains modest himself and praises the defense of which Sven Botman is a prominent part. “We look solid in the back. The boys work very hard to get that done,” he said.
Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier laugh off previous encounter
Sticking with the Magpies, Anthony Gordon has received a warm (digital) welcome from his new teammate Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United. The left winger left Everton for Newcastle last week and the transfer brought back memories for Trippier of a previous meeting with Gordon.
The 32-year-old defender posted a video on Instagram in which he can be seen arguing with Gordon. Newcastle’s newest signing is also waylaid by other players from The Magpies later in the clip. “Here we go. Welcome bro,” Trippier says with a smiling emoticon behind it on Instagram. Gordon appreciated his former rival’s post and responded in a comment: “Thanks lad.”
Newcastle will play the return of the semi-final in the League Cup against Southampton on Tuesday evening. The first leg at St. Mary’s Stadium was won by Newcastle thanks to a goal from Joelinton. The other semi-final is between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Newcastle occupies third place in the Premier League. The gap with leader Arsenal is eleven points.
