Eddie Howe's big Newcastle United decision yet to pay off as star gets 'slap in the face'

It’s arguably been Eddie Howe’s biggest Newcastle United selection decision of the season and in truth, it is yet to pay off.

Martin Dubravka had been a mainstay in the Magpies’ goal since the beginning of December when Nick Pope picked up a knee injury but the last two matches has seen the latter recalled.

And quite simply, Pope has failed to inspire confidence and as a result, has put the spotlight on Howe’s call.

Within six minutes of his return against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Pope completely lost his bearings and was positioned on the other side of the net when Callum Hudson-Odoi unleashed from 25 yards out.

And just like Forest, Pope conceded from the first shot he faced away to Liverpool last night. Dominik Szoboszlai’s effort went through the legs of both Sandro Tonali and Dan Burn, potentially leaving Pope unsighted. However, the lack of power on the shot and it being in the centre of the goal left many feeling Pope should have done much better.

There is growing concern among fans that Pope hasn’t truly recovered from the dislocated shoulder that kept him out for five months last season. Right now, there is little to dispel that narrative, although that’s not something supported by info from Eddie Howe or the club.

Meanwhile, his distribution remains up for debate.

By contrast, in the weeks after Dubravka stepped in for Pope, the Slovakian looked calm and composed, adding a real football dynamic to United’s play, as well as being reliable self when called upon.

His performances, which contributed to a nine-game winning run, made it impossible for Newcastle to let him go. At one stage, Dubravka looked set to join Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab but was convinced to stay following talks with Howe and sporting director Paul Mitchell.

A new contract then deservedly followed, which was announced last Thursday. But in what probably felt like a slap in the face, Dubravka was taken out of the team against Forest three days later.

Howe has his reasons for recalling Pope. He’s paid to make the big decisions and Pope, for his part has been outstanding since he arrived from Burnley almost three years ago.

But it’s fair to say Dubravka has every right to feel hard done by.

And for Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, it will be interesting to see if Howe rotates his goalkeeper or sticks by Pope. We suspect the latter.

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