Eddie Howe's reaction to Nick Pope's Newcastle United error says everything after Champions League defeat
Marseille 2-1 Newcastle United: Eddie Howe came to the defender of goalkeeper Nick Pope after his costly error in the Champions League.
Newcastle United threw away a lead for the third successive away match as they were beaten 2-1 by Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle an early lead at Stade Velodrome before a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace early in the second half saw Marseille turn the game around.
The former Arsenal striker’s first goal came within a minute of the restart after Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope rushed off his line only to be caught out by the 36-year-old.
Eddie Howe reflects on Champions League defeat at Marseille
Following the match, Howe said: “Every defeat has been annoying. That was particularly painful because, as you say, we worked ourselves into a strong position and played really well in the first half. It was about 10 minutes at the start of the second half.
“It cost us the game. It's difficult to know. They scored so soon after half-time and a poor goal from our perspective. That's rocked us and we haven't responded well.”
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Newcastle previously led 1-0 at Brentford and West Ham United before falling to 3-1 defeats. And the avoidable nature of the loss at Stade Velodrome was particularly frustrating for Howe once again.
“It's a big disappointment today because we played so well in the first half,” he added. “We've done everything right. The majority of things right.
“We've been a threat. We've been athletically really good. It was a much improved performance and didn't break the game.
“For me, the performance today was strong. I thought we did carry a goal threat, which at times, away from home this year, we haven't. I think we had 20 shots in the end. I was pleased with a lot of the performance.
“Of course, the two goals, the manner of the goal was disappointing. Yes, chucking away a lead again, very disappointing. Losing away from home, very disappointing, but they were positive signs.
Football is BACK - subscribe to our Newcastle United newsletter for all the news straight to your inbox
Eddie Howe on Nick Pope
Pope’s costly error and his general form so far this season has seen the goalkeeper subject to some scrutiny with summer signing Aaron Ramsdale remaining on the bench and being limited to just two Carabao Cup starts.
But when asked about Pope, Howe was quick to defend the goalkeeper.
“I think it's a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who's at fault,” Howe continued. “I think 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.”
Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Everton in the Premier League where they will be looking for their first league away win of the season so far.