Martin Dubravka may have made two costly errors in just over a week, but some of the comments I’ve read on social media following last night’s late mistake are shameful.
Don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t strong enough last night and had to punch that cross (even if Boly was fouling him), but this is a player who’s been one of our players of the season so far and without doubt one of our most consistent performers since he arrived this time last year.
The fact I’m reading that he must be dropped in favour of Darlow or ideas that ‘maybe he’s not that good after all’ are laughable. If a top striker misses too open goals two weeks running, it doesn’t make him an awful finisher all of a sudden – and this needs to apply to Dubravka; someone I have complete faith in despite him enduring his worst week as a Newcastle player.
Here’s some of the comments I saw on Twitter following his costly mistake in the 95th minute at Molineux last night:
“An outfield player with Dubravka’s current form would be dropped. Surely it’s time to start looking at Woodman”
“That was just ****. Dubravka has been terrible this year but gets a free pass because he was good once. Time for Woodman.”
“How many more mistakes from Dubravka? Get Elliot or Darlow back in…”
“Get Karl Darlow back in net that useless *** Dubravka is absolute ****. Mistake every game”
“Dubravka costing Newcastle 5 points in 2 games. Why does he play ahead of Darlow?”
“You think Rafa might look at another Goalkeeper in the summer and Move on Darlow and Elliot and Make Dubravka no 2,?”
“I’m not sure Dubravka is all that great tbh. How long since he kept a clean sheet? Time to give Woodman a chance..”
I’ve seen a few saying ‘maybe Dubravka isn’t the goalkeeper we thought he was after all’. This is such a fickle approach it’s untrue.
On this logic, Almiron looks a player based on his 20 minute cameo but we’ll be wondering if he’s a waste of money if he doesn’t tear Huddersfield apart and misplaces a few passes.
There’s been so many players at Newcastle over the years who’ve looked MUCH worse than Dubravka has over the past two years, yet they’ve went on to become big players for the club. Coloccini and Diame’s first season? Even Rondon – a player some were calling the next Slimani just a month or two into the season.
I know these comments do not represent your average Newcastle fan, but there’s been far too many overreactions to last night’s error for my liking.
This is a player who’s let us down twice in a year. If someone should be dropped on that logic then good look to the other 10 players who started last night..
Thankfully, there’s also been plenty defending him:
What short memories people have. Helped keep us up last year with fantastic saves and performances. Has kept us in with a shout in most games this season with his saves. Everyone makes errors and these morons do nothing to help keep or build confidence back in a player. A couple of errors and he’s on the scrap heap. Very sad people 🙁
Dave Cooper(Quote)
They’re not fans, they’re sad little people who hide behind keyboards. Could only dream about being a pro and to be honest, they get the exposure they crave with this. Best bet is to ignore them like the players do. Every player can make a mistake and for me, he has been an excellent buy.
David Wake(Quote)
These are just online followers, never go to the match, and if they did would see how much confidence he give the defence with great command of the goal area and saves, including last night.
23% want him dropped, that means 76% don’t ??????????????
BillyTheFish(Quote)
Olly,
You have to shoulder some responsibility here, on your ratings you gave him a 5 and called him out on his mistake.
I don’t even think it was a mistake he went to cleanly catch the ball and was fouled in doing so end of story.
If he had punched it over for another corner and Wolves scored from that corner he would have been slated for conceding a corner.
98 times out of 100 that is given as a foul on the keeper only one person to blame is ref for not recognising this.
As for comments about Woodman, he looked really poor in the FA cup ties he played, no presence and authority whatsoever !!!
Dubravka has been our best keeper since Given so give him a break.
David(Quote)
I thought Dubravka did really well last nigh. The goal shouldn’t have been allowed he was fouled. Sky admitted it when they looked at the replay. Also how many minutes is 4minutes extra time. The goal was scored nearer 6 minutes. When will the referees get it right!! By the way Longstaff was fantastic. Please don’t drop him off the team Rafa.
Dorothy Neal(Quote)
Dubravka is a fine goalkeeper and better by a mile than Darlow or Woodman.
For me it was a foul and he would have caught the ball easily if Boly hadn’t got his arms round his neck. He is still in credit for all the times he has saved us points in games. Those calling for him to be dropped must have short memories.
True fans would not get on his back or abuse him. We need to support ALL our team if they are to succeed and get to safety in the league.
We have the best defence in ages and Martin Dubravka is an integral part of it.
Lesley(Quote)