Pep Guardiola says Newcastle star was ‘brilliant’ against Man City in the Premier League
Jonathan Gorrie
2 – 3 minutes
Newcastle United got back on the board on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side managed to get a point out of Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, seemingly recovering from a dreadful result and performance against Fulham last time out.
They showed character and resolve to come from behind to claim a draw at St James’ Park, with Anthony Gordon both winning and scoring a penalty following Josko Gvardiol’s opener.
Newcastle were good value for the point, as were City. It was a relatively tight game and Pep Guardiola was keen to praise one star in particular.
Indeed, he name-checked a certain Nick Pope, as Ange Postecoglou had done before the international break.
Speaking to TNT Sports 1 after the draw, Guardiola talked positively of Pope’s performance, which included making a stunning save from Bernardo Silva in the closing stages.
Nick Pope of Newcastle United saves a shot from Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and M…
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
“We had the chances,” he said.
“Pope was brilliant in two or three saves, but yeah, we will take the point.”
Nick Pope has been brilliant all season for Newcastle
Having Pope back after an injury-hit campaign last time out is huge for Newcastle. It’s certainly easy to see why Howe was reportedly “crestfallen” about the fact he was injured against Manchester United last December.
Not only have Postecoglou and Guardiola praised him, the Newcastle United manager also talked about how big a role he played in the win over Wolves earlier this month.
Tipped as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League by pundit Ian Wright too, Pope is worthy of all the praise he’s getting.
While the England international may not be perfect with the ball at his feet, few would doubt the benefits he brings to this Newcastle side.
If Pope stays fit this season, Newcastle will finish higher in the league come May. He really is that important to the cause.
It’s fantastic having him back.
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