Newcastle’s Nick Pope ‘the best goalkeeper in the world’ says Bruno Guimaraes as Jamie O’Hara rates Premier League chances next year.
The Magpies have one foot in the Carabao Cup final after beating Southampton 1-0 at St. Mary’s on Tuesday night as Joelinton scored the only goal of the game.
It continues the club’s jaw-dropping form across all competitions, tasting defeat in just one match in 20 games – a shock FA Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month.
And that is largely down to their fantastic defence with Nick Pope keeping a clean sheet in the last ten matches. They are unbeaten at St. James’ Park this season too.
After the match, Guimaraes was full of praise for the England international, branding him the best in the world.
The midfielder said: “We controlled the game but we missed big chances. It’s just the first game now we need to think about the next one.
“I’m proud of the team today. One goal is important, we could score more but most important was to be one-goal in front of Southampton.
“I want to thank Nick Pope, I think he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. Let’s keep it going.”
And Eddie Howe appeared to be in full agreement with the Brazilian, going on to say: “I can’t be critical in any way. We defended well, Nick made some big saves again.
“The two saves he made were big moments. Che Adams’ one-on-one was at a huge time in the game when they were growing into it and the crowd were getting up but Nick stepped up and kept us in it.
“He’s been outstanding for us this year, the defence has played very well in front of him but when called upon he’s delivered for us.”
Newcastle currently sit third in the Premier League and although a title push may be beyond them this season, Jamie O’Hara is encouraged by what they can do next term.
He said: “I think Newcastle have a better chance of winning the Premier League next season than Liverpool.”
urgen Klopp’s Reds are currently ninth in the Premier League and a number of problems.
The defence has looked shaky throughout the season, the midfield has been overrun on numerous occasions and the forwards have been misfiring.
In contrast, Howe has the best defence in the Premier League, an incredible goalkeeper, a midfield packed full of energy and some tricky forwards, while they are expected to strengthen further in the summer window with the huge funds at their disposal.
