Eddie Howe got the major tactical decisions right as Newcastle United beat Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup.
It was a day that everything went right for Newcastle United, despite there being a lot of uncertainty ahead of the game at Wembley.
The Magpies were without Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon, two major players who would have been nailed on to start.
Eddie Howe opted to start Harvey Barnes in place of Gordon, and it proved to be the correct decision.
The Newcastle United manager’s other big call was who started in goal, and it was another decision that Howe got absolutely spot on. He chose Nick Pope over Martin Dubravka, and the England international certainly justified his manager’s show of faith.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Eddie Howe delighted with Nick Pope
Pope was excellent against Liverpool. He made a huge save to deny Curtis Jones, while he nullified multiple threats with his sweeping ability.
The 32-year-old was outstanding, and Eddie Howe has told the media that Pope has also been excellent in training ever since the Carabao Cup final.
“Nick has had a difficult season with injury,” he said.
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“It’s like any player coming back from injury, there’s always a period of rustiness when they come back.
“I think we saw Nick in his best form in the last two games, West Ham and Liverpool. He played really well, and he had to because there were big moments in those games where we needed him and he responded.
“I have to say since the cup final he has trained outstandingly well. He’s looked in really good shape.
“Fingers crossed he’s over his injury problems and can stay fit and continue to play well.”
Nick Pope fighting for his England place
Pope and Dubravka have different qualities. The latter is much better with his feet, while the former is a better sweeper.
It was that sweeping ability that helped Newcastle win at Wembley, with Howe making the right call.
With 10 Premier League games to go, it is likely that Pope will retain his place in the starting XI. He will want to finish the campaign strongly to qualify for the Champions League, while he will also want to win back his England place.
Thomas Tuchel contacted Nick Pope before announcing his first Three Lions squad, but opted against calling up the £10million man.
With England in action again in June, Pope will hope a string of strong performances can result in an England recall.