sport news Newcastle's Nick Pope closing in on Edwin van der Sar's astonishing record trends now
When Southampton scored an 89th-minute consolation goal against Newcastle at St Mary's on November 6, Nick Pope could not hide his disappointment. There was no danger of the Saints getting back into the game, but his clean sheet had gone.
Newcastle had kept six clean sheets at that point. That figure now stands at 16, and Pope has not conceded a single goal in his last 10 appearances across all competitions.
Following that win at Southampton, Newcastle edged past Crystal Palace on penalties in the Carabao Cup, and then signed off for the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
Nick Pope kept a clean sheet against Southampton on Tuesday and has now not conceded a goal in any of his last 10 appearances in all competitions
Since domestic football resumed, they have continued where they left off, cementing their place in the top four and moving to within a game of the Carabao Cup final after winning the first leg of their semi-final against Southampton 1-0 on Tuesday.
It seems fitting that Pope produced one of his best performances of the campaign at the ground that he last conceded a goal.
Back in November, a brief lapse in concentration in defence allowed Southampton to pull one back, but Pope had no intention of leaving the south coast without a clean sheet this time around.
Newcastle largely controlled the contest, but Southampton had a 15-minute spell in the second half where they piled the pressure on in search of an opening goal. Pope stood firm.
When Che Adams raced through on goal, he stayed big and made the save with his outstretched foot. Nathan Jones's men looked dangerous from James Ward-Prowse's set-pieces, but Pope was there when needed, getting down low to pull off another save, and coming to claim high balls to give his team-mates a breather. It was a truly commanding display, and one that midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was keen to praise at full-time.
Pope has consistently excelled for Newcastle, keeping them in the hunt for a top-four finish
'I'd like to say thank you to Nick Pope - he has been brilliant for us. He is the best goalkeeper in the world,' Guimaraes told Sky Sports as Pope picked up the man of the match award.
Pope's form in recent months has been even more impressive following the setback
