Nick Pope sends ‘crazy’ message after battering from Newcastle fans
Newcastle United got back to winning ways in the Premier League in a hard-fought seven-goal thriller against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (23 February).
The Magpies came from a goal behind to defeat Forest 4-3 at St James’s Park after goals from Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy, and an Alexander Isak brace.
Forest had put pressure on Eddie Howe’s team in the second half after goals from Nikola Milenkovic and Ryan Yates, but the Magpies held firm to see the game out after leading 4-1 at halftime.
Newcastle had an extra reason to celebrate on Sunday as Nick Pope was able to return to the squad after a knee injury.
The victory allowed Newcastle to climb into fifth place as they drew level on points with fourth-placed Man City in the Premier League.
The Magpies will now prepare to face league leaders Liverpool on Wednesday (26 February).
Nick Pope’s return was a game to forget
Pope was immediately brought back into the team against Forest after a 10-game absence due to injury, but it ended up being a game to forget.
Even though the Magpies won, Newcastle fans blamed Pope for Forest’s first goal due to his positioning for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike in what was an embarrassing situation less than 10 minutes into his return.
| Match Stats | Pope |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 20/26 (77%) |
| Punches | 1 |
| Throws | 8 |
| Touches | 40 |
The England international still celebrated the win on Instagram as he sent a message to supporters by saying, “Crazy & scrappy but +3 just how we like it!!”
Newcastle United might look to replace Nick Pope
Pope might have returned to the team against Forest, but the 32-year-old might not be Howe’s long-term first-choice goalkeeping option.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle have “agreed personal terms” with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who could be brought to St James’s Park in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle fans believe that Pope will leave the club if the current Burnley goalkeeper moves to the Magpies.
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