Nick Pope was forced off in Newcastle United’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, and that should bring an end to the English goalkeeper’s lengthy run as Eddie Howe’s number one.
The Magpies took the lead with their first shot on target when Harvey Barnes did terrifically well in the box, dumbfounding several Bees defenders and firing home the opener. It was an excellent finish from the English winger, filling in for the injured Anthony Gordon, but perhaps also giving Howe food for thought regarding a regular starting role.
While Barnes may be playing his way into more game time, many believe Pope’s time should be up as Howe’s number one. He was left in no man’s land trying to punch Michael Kayode’s long throw-in, and the ball reached Kevin Schade, who drew his side level.
Pope injured himself during a collision with Igor Thiago, which forced him off in the second half, and Aaron Ramsdale came on as his replacement. The substitution came after the Bees were awarded a penalty, and Ramsdale couldn’t prevent Thiago from converting, and the Brazilian striker grabbed a second late on to hand the visitors their fifth defeat of the season.
Brentford 3-1 Newcastle: A Lost Pope
Pope hasn’t been at his best so far this season, and his concerning form has coincided with Newcastle’s disappointing campaign. His future was up in the air in the summer amid links to Burnley, but he stayed put and continued as Howe’s first choice between the sticks.
The 33-year-old has shown regression, making one error that led to a goal, conceding an average of 1.1 goals per game, and conceding 12 goals in 11 games. His manager has stuck with him despite the arrival of Ramsdale, but another unconvincing showing at the Gtech should put his place under threat.
Ramsdale arrived at St James’ Park on loan from Southampton in the summer, but he’s made just two competitive appearances, both of which have come in the Carabao Cup. He will have relished the chance to continue in the Premier League after suffering relegation last season, but he has yet to displace Pope.
Howe knows just how talented a shot-stopper the 27-year-old is, having coached him previously at Bournemouth and overseeing his development while in charge at the Vitality. It looked likely he’d be Jordan Pickford’s replacement in the England national team when he took the number one shirt at Arsenal.
Ramsdale enjoyed the best period of his career thus far at the Emirates, earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year, but a season later, he was sent packing after Arteta opted for David Raya to replace him. He may now get the opportunity to take over from Pope permanently, depending on how long his fellow countryman is sidelined.
‘Washed’ Pope Has Newcastle Fans Demanding ‘Change’
Pope’s performance before the injury didn’t go unnoticed by fans who were unimpressed by the veteran Englishman. They concluded that he hand over the number one spot in Howe’s side.
One fan gave a grim verdict:
“Pope is unbelievably washed, as is Eddie. This is just ridiculous now.”
Sports editor Ross Gregory blamed the equaliser on him:
“I’m sorry but that’s Nick Pope at fault again.”
One fan alluded to Pope earning a call up to the England squad:
“Is it just me or every time Nick Pope gets called up to the national team, he goes brainless?”
Another added:
“Nick Pope for England… it’s a joke…..he isn’t good enough for Newcastle’s first team ….how many more mistakes has he got to make !!!!”
A lack of belief in Pope’s reliability when Brentford used their long throw tactic was telling:
“Teams are targeting pope now and rightly so. It’s time for change.”
Pope has been with Newcastle since the summer of 2022, when he arrived from Burnley in a £10 million deal. He’s been a fine servant for the Magpies, a key member of Howe’s side that qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.
The 10-cap England international, who may well have to pull out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad this week, has just started to show signs that he’s past his best. If he is out of action for a significant period, it could result in Ramsdale taking his place for the rest of the season, provided he fares well, potentially starting against Manchester City on November 22nd.
