Newcastle United keeper Martin Dubravka was dropped for Nick Pope for the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest. Around seventy five minutes before kick-off, Newcastle United fans were hit with a surprise or two when team news for the clash with Nottingham Forest dropped. And it’s fair to say the news did not seem to go down well with a member of squad’s family.
Howe made three changes for the 4-3 win. Tino Livramento coming in on the right for Kieran Trippier, who looked out of form in the 4-0 loss at Man City, was no surprise, but Lewis Miley coming in for Sandro Tonali did raise an eyebrow or two, even if the Italian had missed a few days of training this week.
Perhaps the significant change, however, came in goal, with Martin Dubravka dropped for No.1 Nick Pope, despite being Howe’s choice between the sticks for the last 14 games. When Pope suffered a knee injury in December, the Slovak stepped up and grasped his opportunity with both hands, putting in calm and composed displays, adding a real football dynamic to United’s play, as well as being his usual reliable self when it comes to shot-stopping.
Even when Pope returned to full fitness, Howe retained Dubravka in the team – and even convinced the player to turn down a move to Saudi Arabia in January. Dubravka even put pen to paper on a surprise new Newcastle deal this week – announced on Thursday. So it was definitely a shock to see Dubravka taken out the team just days after agreeing to stay on. Dubravka’s wife, Lucia Dubravka, took to her Instagram to seemingly express her thoughts on the news.
Dubravka wife posts to Instagram
If that’s the case, she has a point, as Dubravka was instrumental in the Magpies’ December Premier League comeback and their journey to the Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe explains goalkeeper decision
It is always done in an attempt to select a football squad that will win the game. I did just that today.
“I value both goalkeepers that have played this year, Martin and Nick,” Howe added, referring to Pope’s performance and the two players’ strengths. Nick has his advantages. Martin has his advantages.
“In my opinion, Nick did a great job distributing the ball. He contributed to two goals today. We struggled with set plays and physical threat with our outfield guys, so it helps us with those areas. However, he will undoubtedly be upset to have given up three goals.E
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