Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope didn’t cover himself in glory for Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham United equaliser.
Eddie Howe wanted a solution to Newcastle United’s away-day woes.
He didn’t get it at West Ham United.
Newcastle were beaten 3-1 by West Ham in a torrid performance, despite taking the lead through Jacob Murphy.
Lucas Paqueta equalised, Sven Botman scored an own goal, and Tomas Soucek rounded off the scoring in a dreadful afternoon in East London.
West Ham United v Newcastle United - Premier League
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Eddie Howe on Nick Pope performance in Newcastle United defeat
Newcastle failed to kick on after Murphy’s opener, and a soft leveller really didn’t help the Toon cause.
Paqueta’s left-footed strike came from an awkward angle and looked to be comfortable for Nick Pope to handle.
Instead, Pope appeared to either mistime his dive or not quite get his hands in the right place at the right time.
Paqueta’s goal squirmed beyond Pope and into the net, giving West Ham hope of a result.
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Eddie Howe spoke to Premier League Productions after the final whistle, and was asked about Pope’s display.
Howe admitted that Pope would probably back himself to save that shot more often than not.
The Newcastle boss made a point to praise Pope for a string of other saves, though, and wouldn’t pin this torrid defeat in any one player.
“I think Popey would back himself, normally, from that distance,” said Howe.
“But he’s actually made some very good saves today to probably keep the scoreline down. I just think it’s a case of all of us collectively analysing ourselves and seeing where we could improve,” he added.
Aaron Ramsdale knocking on the Newcastle United door
Pope has proven his worth over the season, and one moment of soft goalkeeping is unlikely to cost him his place in the team.
Howe backed the Newcastle stopper, but he knows that he has another goalkeeper he can depend on.
Aaron Ramsdale was superb against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek, both in terms of shot-stopping and distribution.
Pope will hope that Paqueta’s goal was just an aberration, as any more mistakes may just see Ramsdale emerge in the starting XI.