View: Howe risking fan backlash by refusing to bench Pope after latest error in Newcastle loss | OneFootball

Newcastle United took a 1-0 lead in their UEFA Champions League clash with Olympique Marseille, and the Magpies looked to be coasting.

However, in the 46th minute, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope darted out to stop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The pacy striker is 36, but there was only going to be one winner in that race as he took the ball and lashed it into an empty Newcastle net.

Pope had no reason to come flying out of his goal to stop Aubameyang, as a defender had it covered.

Also, the angle was always going to be tight for Aubameyang, even if he managed to escape the last man.

Pope is ‘top-class’ and has been a great servant to NUFC, but he is clearly struggling for form this season.

His decision-making and shot-stopping have been suspect since his return from injury.

Still, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has refused to test Aaron Ramsdale in goal. The manager defended Pope in his post-match press conference.

Howe said (via The Independent), “It’s a concern when we concede goals regardless of who’s at fault. We have to look at everything with a balanced head.

“He saved us many times. He made some really good saves against Manchester City just two days ago. That’s the life of a goalkeeper. But I’ll certainly back him.”

Howe certainly has the right to defend his shot-stopper but risks enraging fans by not trying a different option in goal.

It was already clear the club needed a new number one last summer, and after missing out on James Trafford, they signed Ramsdale.

Why the sudden hesitation to stick him in goal?

Ramsdale has made only two appearances for Newcastle this season. The first came in the EFL Cup as the Geordies knocked Tottenham Hotspur out.

He kept a clean sheet and was stellar between the sticks. Unfortunately, his Premier League debut with the Geordies wasn’t so great.

He shipped two goals in 13 minutes, but one was a penalty caused by Dan Burn, and the other was practically his defence leaving him for dead.

Ramsdale deserves another shot. Howe has to shake something up and risks further angering fans already frustrated by the results.

Newcastle travel to take on Everton this weekend, and the Geordies will be desperate to get back to winning ways.

The fans could get on Howe’s back if they do not see Ramsdale between the sticks. It is time for him to try something new.