Mikel Arteta issued the kind of verdict on Nick Pope that might surprise Newcastle United fans after Arsenal’s win on Saturday.
Pope was restored to the starting lineup as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, making it nine defeats in 12 games for Eddie Howe.
Thin gruel but who was your MOTM vs Arsenal and why?! 🤔
Newcastle United players clap fans after losing to Arsenal FC.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
That was the first time Pope had played since mid-February and, as is increasingly the case right now, the England goalkeeper did not cover himself in glory.
He was lucky not to have been sent off after bringing down the onrushing Viktor Gyokeres when Pope raced out on goal to give Newcastle fans flashbacks of that dreadful night in Marseille.
Still, Arteta was full of praise for Pope after the game.
Arteta says Nick Pope is “really good”
The Gunners boss was asked about the short corner routine from which Arsenal scored their own goal.
While the Premier League leaders are famed for their ability to score from corners, they took their ninth-minute one short. The ball made its way out to Eberechi Eze, who swept a fine effort past Pope.
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Asked why his team decided to take a short corner, Arteta told Sky Sports: “If we put it direct Pope is really good. He can catch it, he can counter with the three front players that they have. And it might not go well. So if we believe it’s the best thing to do, do it.”
Pope, at his best, does bring a physicality to the role. Those days, however, seem like a long time ago now.
Arteta is right to point out that Pope is capable of launching counter attacks, of course. The goalkeeper recorded an assist for Harvey Barnes against Benfica in the Champions League earlier this season with a long throw, after all.
Nick Pope playing for Arsenal FC against Newcastle United.
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Why Arteta’s verdict on Nick Pope is a surprise
It’s been a while since Newcastle fans saw the goalkeeper at his best.
Indeed, Pope has made a series of mistakes this season, which led to him being dropped in the first place.
He wasn’t particularly great in north London either, truth be told. On another day, he gets sent off.
Neither Pope nor Aaron Ramsdale have convinced in goal for Newcastle this season and finding a suitable stopper is one of the many things the club must do this summer.
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