Former Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has picked Nick Pope in his Premier League team of the week. The Magpies’ shot-stopper showed exactly why Eddie Howe was so desperate to sign him with a stellar display against Brighton on Saturday.
Graham Potter’s men recorded seven shots on target but Pope was a brick wall between the sticks to keep the Seagulls at bay. In the second half, the England goalie pulled off a Gordon Banks-esque save to deny Adam Lallana’s header from close range.
Brighton were denied a certain goal and, on another day, Newcastle would have lost on the South Coast. However, Pope kept his 100% clean sheet record intact while letting Toon fans know he is the real deal.
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Souness rewarded the 30-year-old for his performance with a place in his talkSPORT team of the week. The ex-Magpies boss named Pope - who 24 hours before his display became a random internet meme - as his sole representative from Newcastle after the dull goalless draw.
His inclusion in goal sees him line up alongside Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea sensation Reece James and Arsenal hitman Gabriel Jesus. Alongside Ederson, Pope is the only other goalkeeper yet to concede a Premier League goal in 2022-23.
Team in full
Pope; James, Koulibaly, Cancelo, Foden, De Bruyne, Jenson, McGinn; Rodrigo, Toney, Jesus
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