Joe Cole was full of praise for Newcastle United star Nick Pope, even before he picked up a breathtaking assist in the Champions League win over Benfica.
Newcastle United welcomed Jose Mourinho’s Benfica to St. James’ Park on Tuesday and won back-to-back Champions League games for the first time in 22 years.
Eddie Howe’s side were in need of a win after falling to defeat in Brighton on Saturday and they bounced back in style, winning 3-0 against the Portuguese giants.
The scintillating Anthony Gordon opened the scoring midway through a competitive first half, but Newcastle blew the visitors away in the second.
The Magpies dominated proceedings before finally doubling their lead after Nick Pope’s monstrous throw up the field was latched onto by Harvey Barnes, who finished brilliantly.
Substitute Barnes added another when he tucked away to conclude a sweeping move and secure the three points.
Gordon and Barnes may take the headlines, but Pope was just as vital to the win even before his assist.
Nick Pope stops a shot with his leg for Newcastle United.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Nick Pope puts in fantastic display vs Benfica
Pope’s assist will last long in the memory, but it shouldn’t be forgotten how important his early contributions in the game were.
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Though Newcastle were the better side, Benfica had spells of dominance and created some dangerous chances. The electric Dodi Lukebakio was particularly dangerous, hitting the post with a rasping drive.
The winger had the better of Dan Burn and forced Pope into a save at his near post and then to push another powerful effort wide, too.
Joe Cole was on punditry duty for TNT Sports and moved to praise the goalkeeper for his first save from the impressive Lukebakio.
He said: “Fantastic player. Belgium international. 26 caps. He’s been a thorn in their side, a lovely left foot, goes both ways.
“We watched him against Chelsea and he was a threat. He’s getting in behind Dan Burn, a lovely touch.
“This is an absolutely stunning save from Pope at the near post. Gets his hands on it, a little bit of luck, but he’s in the right position.”
Pope has roared back to form, perhaps the best of his entire career, this season and has now kept seven clean sheets already.
The experienced shot-stopper was nearly replaced by James Trafford in the transfer window and has responded to that brilliantly, ensuring Newcastle haven’t regretted not signing him at all.
Les Ferdinand praises Bruno Guimaraes
Pope wasn’t the only player to come in for praise at the halfway mark of the match, with captain fantastic Bruno Guimaraes earning plaudits from Les Ferdinand.
When analysing Newcastle’s opening goal, the Toon legend praised the Brazilian for his sublime throughball that slotted Jacob Murphy in to cross for Gordon.
He said: “It was a good goal when it came.
“They had a few chances earlier on and sometimes as a team if you create chances and you don’t take them, you fall into a lull. But this was a great ball here from Guimaraes and then Murphy plays that across and gives Gordon a simple tap-in.
“They had a couple of chances before that but this is a great ball, splits the defence and it’s a great ball from Murphy.”
Cole added: “Eddie Howe will be delighted. Bringing Murphy in was a great shout tonight and he delivered like he did all season. That man Gordon, it’s a wonderful finish at the far post.”