Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope salutes the supporters following the Champions League defeat against Marseille

Eddie Howe's reaction to the Nick Pope question, so soon after the frustrating defeat against Marseille, was understandable. The game had only finished a few minutes earlier and he was never going to throw his goalkeeper under the bus.

"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."

You wouldn't expect any less from the Newcastle United manager. Whether he woke up this morning thinking the same is open to question.

Pope has been good at times this season. He won his place back in the England squad, albeit

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