Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope blasted for rusty 5/10 display v Liverpool | OneFootball

Newcastle United lost to Liverpool at Anfield yesterday, extending their winless run in the red part of Merseyside to 29 matches.

It was a frustrating evening, where Newcastle were second best for long periods. The Magpies suffered a 2-0 defeat, with goalkeeper Nick Pope facing criticism for a poor performance between the sticks.

Newcastle were a goal down 11 minutes into the match when Luis Diaz outmanoeuvred Fabian Schar on the left before squaring the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai.

The Hungarian midfielder made no mistake, sending a left-footed effort past Pope in the Newcastle goal. Upon closer inspection, Pope should have touched the ball. It was not angled too far away from him.

The home side doubled their advantage when Alexis Mac Allister showcased his class, cutting through the Newcastle engine room before exchanging passes with Mohamed Salah. The Argentine finished clinically, leaving Pope with little chance to make a save.

“Almost gifted Mohamed Salah an opportunity by kicking the ball straight at him – fortunately, it rolled out for the goal kick. Denied Salah a goal late on with a strong right hand.”

Chronicle Live said, “The opening goal will be debated and whether he could have done more to stop it. But overall, he still looked rusty. Did not get close to the second goal. Saved by VAR for a potential third goal by Cody Gakpo.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will hope Pope can shake off his rust and find his best form as they turn their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup this weekend before a Premier League visit to West Ham United and the League Cup final against Liverpool (March 16).