We’ve suffered so many unfortunate setbacks this season, with injuries and suspensions constantly causing problems, but it feels like the loss of Nick Pope has been the biggest one yet.
At the time of his injury (our 1-0 win over Man Utd on December 2nd), we were 5th in the table, just two points behind Liverpool and three from Man City in 2nd. We had the second best goal difference in the league and had kept six clean sheets in our opening 14 games; very good going considering our tough set of opening fixtures.
Since then, the drop-off has been huge, highlighted by the Premier League table below. Based on all results since Pope’s shoulder injury three months ago, this would be the league standings:
In reality, we are 10th in the table and still only two points behind Brighton in 7th; which could yet be a Europa League spot if a top-six team wins the FA Cup and UEFA rankings allow England’s 5th place side into the Champions League. However, it highlights just how poor we’ve been without our sweeper-keeper.
In the 12 games he’s missed, we’ve conceded a whopping 31 goals. No Premier League team has let in more during that time. Even Sheffield United (27) and Burnley (26) have conceded less.
It’s also quite telling that Wolves have picked up twice as many points in that time, taking 23 from a possible 36, compared to our 11.
The good news is Pope is expected back at some stage next month, but with key games against Wolves, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Ham to come over the next few weeks, let’s hope our performances – especially at the back – improve. They’ll have to!
This seems to imply that it’s all Martin Dubravka’s fault, which I don’t think it is. There were many other factors at play. I think he has been the least of our problems.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – agreed. It’s also the period where Joelinton has been missing & I think our midfield has missed his physicality and athleticism – he’s a pivot between defence & attack & is always an out ball for the defence.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Don’t think it’s implying it’s Dubravka fault who is a capable goalkeeper but the harsh reality is Pope is a level up and he is a big miss not a case of calling Dubravka just being g realistic
Darren Bebb(Quote)
Dubravka’s shot-stopping has been good, but he’s nothing like the sweeper-keeper Pope is. Defence looks far less confident with him in goal and gets punished by pace / balls in behind far more.
Joelinton also a huge miss, but the stats don’t lie. We’ve been a different team since Pope got injured.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Why don’t you go back over the games and see how you have marked him? He won’t have been our worst player over that period.
This site has condemned the tendency to scapegoat individuals for team performances. A lt has happened from Tripps mistakes to a total lack of intensity, all of which is Dubravka’s fault apparently
PremAndUp(Quote)
Not really sure what your problem is here. You’d think I slated Dubravka throughout the article, yet his name isn’t mentioned once. I’m not slating him at all – his shot stopping has been good – but Pope is a big miss based on his style of goalkeeping (sweeper-keeper) and what it means to our system / ability to sweep up for slow defenders.
That stats don’t lie. We were 5th and conceding an average of one goal per game when Pope was fit. Since then, we’ve been 17th (based on the last 12 games) and have conceded an average of 2.6 goals a game.
You’re putting words in my mouth here. Nowhere have I said it’s all down to Dubravka.
I’d encourage you to read what I wrote yesterday if you think I’m suggesting all of our issues are down to him. It’s a combination of loads of factors, but Pope’s a very different GK to Dubravka and a huge part of our style of play. He’s been a massive miss.
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/02/29/you-honestly-couldnt-make-it-up-newcastle-united-in-2023-24/
Olly Hawkins(Quote)