[ad_1]
Bruno Guimaraes hailed Nick Pope as the best goalkeeper in the world after his 10th consecutive clean sheet helped Newcastle to a 1-0 win over Southampton.
This latest clean sheet helped Newcastle on their way to take a slim advantage into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Saints.
The Popes have not been beaten since November 6 – 79 days ago – when Romain Perraud scored a late consolation for Southampton in a 4-1 loss to Eddie Howe’s men. It’s 10 games and 901 minutes in which Pope is unbeaten with Newcastle’s only goal conceded in that time coming in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday when Martin Dubravka replaced Pope in goal.
This is an unprecedented clean sheet record since August 2012 (when Opta started tracking the data) no other goalkeeper has kept a clean sheet in 10 straight games in all competitions. Pope was asked to make 20 saves in those 10 games, including three at St Mary’s – his pick being to deny Che Adams on a run at goal.
In total, Pope has kept 17 clean sheets in all competitions for Newcastle, with only Leyton Orient’s Lawrence Vigouroux managing more (17) among English league keepers this season.
Nick Pope made a crucial stop to deny Che Adams
Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes, who won the man of the match award in the 1-0 win, said: “I’d like to say thank you to Nick Pope – he’s been fantastic for us. He’s the best goalkeeper in the world.”
The pope said himself: “We look really solid at the back. The kids are working hard to make it happen.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given was surprised by Pope’s performance, saying: “I had to take it twice when the stat was about 10 games and 10 clean sheets. It was in the big moments, at Palace and when Adams went through tonight – he made it big block. He gives confidence to his teammates. Best in the world? It’s up for debate but he’s in the best performance of his career.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Highlights of the Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg between Southampton and Newcastle.
The Pope’s clean run appeared to have ended when Adam Armstrong headed close to the England keeper, but VAR stepped in to rule out the goal for handball.
Pope said: “A lot of work has been done, but VAR has helped us. It’s a big relief, you don’t expect many reprieves. We’re grateful for those.”
Howe: The pope has been incredible
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe shared his thoughts on the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Southampton as they take a 1-0 lead back to St James’ Park next week for a place in the final at Wembley.
Newcastle boss Howe, who took Pope from Burnley for just £10m this summer, is delighted with the goalkeeper, praising his ability to stand up at key moments in matches.
Howe said: “The two saves that he made were big moments in the game. Adams’ one-vs-one was a big moment in the game where many of them took to the game and they took it on top, and Nick stood up. and made a big save, and then made shortly after as well.
“He’s been outstanding for us this year and the defense has played well the majority of the time in front of him, but whenever he’s needed, he’s produced things for us.”
Southampton boss Nathan Jones called Pope the best goalkeeper in the Premier League: “There’s no better goalkeeper in the league, in terms of what you need to be a goalkeeper, using your hands, he’s the best in the league.”
[ad_2]
Source link