Following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with AC Milan, Newcastle United has now kept back-to-back clean sheets.
The Magpies began their Champions League campaign with a stalemate at the San Siro. It was a terrific result for Eddie Howe’s side, who dug deep and fought hard to ensure they did not return to Tyneside empty-handed.
While Newcastle were unimpressive offensively, they put in some strong defensive displays.
On his 33rd birthday, captain Kieran Trippier was outstanding, and midfielder Sean Longstaff also shone.
Newcastle, on the other hand, had to rely on their goalkeeper at times, with Nick Pope making eight stops to thwart the AC Milan forwards.
The 31-year-old, making his Champions League debut, was hammered with strikes in the first half but showed some remarkable reactions to avoid conceding.
Pope delivered an outstanding effort, earning accolades from his boss following the game.
Eddie Howe was overjoyed with Nick Pope’s ‘excellent’ performance against AC Milan.
After the 0-0 draw with AC Milan, Eddie Howe spoke to the Telegraph and commented on Pope’s performance at the San Siro.
“I don’t think we were lucky, that’s not right,” he stated.
“I think some of our defensive play was superb, and Nick Pope was outstanding.”
Howe also commented on Pope to NUFC TV, saying, “He was a giant for us tonight, but I think he has been ever since he signed.” He’s been a fantastic shot stopper and personality. When Nick plays like that, everything about him is first-rate, and he means a lot to us. He’s a difficult man to score against, and we’ll need him in this competition.”
Pope kept Newcastle in the game in the Champions League opening.
After a difficult start to the season, Pope showed his worth against AC Milan on Tuesday night.
The England international was recently chastised after struggling in the Magpies’ 3-1 defeat to Brighton before the international break.
After the game, Pope was questioned, but he answered with two straight clean sheets. He had to work more harder for the one against AC Milan than he did for the one against Brentford, with Pope making stop after save in the first 45 minutes.
He kept Newcastle in the game and earned his team a fantastic point away from home. What an incredible performance.