Newcastle Utd news: Eddie Howe’s goalkeeper dilemma

Eddie Howe faces a selection headache over who should start in goal between Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale. But what do the numbers say?

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Mosaddek Abu takes a look at the situation facing Eddie Howe.

Nick Pope’s mistake becomes a theme of the Magpies’ season 

With his recent error against Olympique de Marseille - when the Magpies suffered a fourth away defeat in all competitions - Eddie Howe is under pressure to bench Nick Pope in favour of loan signing Aaron Ramsdale. 

Pope has made three errors this season, against West Ham, when he punched it clear to Lucas Paqueta. Then, against Brentford, he failed to deal with Brentford’s long throw. Not to forget the poor judgment of Arsenal’s late winner at St James’ Park, as he exposed his position.

Recent mistakes have fans clamouring for Ramsdale to be given a chance. 

But Howe still has complete faith in Pope, and it’s likely he won’t be dropped anytime soon because of how well he did at the back end of last season. 

Difference in numbers

Last season, Pope made a total of 88 saves, but compared to Ramsdale, who played for a poor Southampton, he made at least 125. 

But the biggest complaint about Pope is his accuracy in delivering long balls, which last season was recorded as 28.32 

During his loan spell at Southampton last season, Ramsdale’s long-ball accuracy was measured at 34.35, and despite the Saints finishing bottom of the league, it’s slightly better than Pope’s. 

This is no different this season, despite making only one appearance in the league, as Ramsdale’s long pass accuracy comes in at 50 compared to Pope’s, which is at 28.19.

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Newcastle boss too loyal

Howe shows loyalty to players who perform well. 

If you cast your mind back to last season, Martin Dubravka was managing the load ahead of the Carabao Cup Final. 

However, Pope was picked for the final and remained the starting goalkeeper until the end of the season, while Dubravka left in the summer transfer window. 

Despite the errors Pope made in recent fixtures, he made three pivotal saves against Manchester City.

Howe had faith in him to start against Marseille, based on his performance against City and his decisiveness in key moments of the match. 

Ramsdale was primarily brought in on loan as a deputy and interim whilst the Magpies continue to search for a permanent number two goalkeeper.

Their original target was James Trafford, but after that fell through, they settled for the 27-year-old. 

Despite the data being in favour of Ramsdale, Howe will only consider starting him if Pope continues to make mistakes.

Only then will it become a real selection headache for the Newcastle boss.

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