Newcastle survive Milan fashion week as Pope looks the part on European return

19 September 2023 , 20:05

699     0

Nick Pope impressed in goal for Newcastle in Milan (Image: AP)

The glamour of a Champions League tie in Milan during fashion week degenerated into a scruffy survival mission for Newcastle, completed thanks to keeper Nick Pope.

‌Taking a defensive point at the San Siro, against last year’s beaten semi finalists, was a prize to be satisfied with… but it was far from stylish. Eddie Howe’s side were picked apart by the Italian aristocrats who showed class and tactical acumen to damage the Geordies especially in the first half…but didn’t have the finishing power.

‌Milan had a staggering 24 attempts at goal, and were kept at bay by save after save from keeper Pope, omitted by England earlier this month, plus multiple defensive blocks. They are the first team this season to stop Milan scoring and it was a gutsy and frustrating night. All the Toon’s energy was devoted to staying in the game.

‌The excellent Sean Longstaff mustered their only shot on target, a 20 yarder tipped over deep in injury time that would have stunned the locals. Other massive threats await in this group in PSG and Dortmund, and United will have to be smarter on the ball to progress.

‌Newcastle were dismantled in the first half, and somehow survived. Milan created 14 chances and Newcastle needed seven saves from Pope in a chaotic opening which showed this is a step up in class. Coach Howe paid tribute to his defence and saw the positives in the result ,while admitting his side can play better.

Arsenal's transfer window winners and losers as late arrival softens Mudryk blow

Pope was a key figure in goal for Newcastle (PA)

‌He said: “Nick was outstanding tonight and against Brentford. Two clean sheets and a huge part of our success.

‌"I didn’t think the draw was luck. We are slightly disappointed with the way we played with the ball, but the way we defended was commendable. A hostile atmosphere, difficult place to come but you can underestimate the power of that draw. We were hoping the net ripples at the end when Sean shot.”

‌Pope was on song with five saves in six minutes. He made two sharp stops in the 13th minute from Tomasso Pobega’s long shot and Samu Chukwueze’s header. The visitors had a rocky spell and Olivier Giroud also had a volley blocked by the keeper.

Rafael Leao was lively in attack for AC Milan (AFP via Getty Images)

‌Milan were hammered 5-1 by city rivals Inter at the weekend but it didn’t show as they found spaces and fired in shots, the next from Rade Krunic which Pope slithered over and then Theo Hernandez’s close range header was bundled over the bar.

‌Milan were nicking the ball in midfield and breaking dangerously. Local boy Sandro Tonali was off the pace playing on the left and looked uncomfortable. The locals still love him.

‌Jacob Murphy was the surprise starter, his first this season, ahead of Miggy Almiron, whose impact late in the game as a sub, hinted that it was a debatable call. Newcastle were being ripped open. Rafael Leao skipped past Sven Botman and Dan Burn but tried a back heel, and when the ball broke to Pobega, Murphy cleared off the line.

‌The Geordies had no foothold in the game, with their attack looking isolated and flimsy against England’s Fikayo Tomori. And they badly lacked a dominant midfield holding player with Bruno Guimaraes overrun at times. Pobega was excellent, surging forward into space and Leao a powerhouse.

‌Could they hold out, looking so stretched and edgy, including Burn passing the ball out of play twice. This wasn’t the fluid Toon of last season but they shored it up slightly after the break. Sub Tijjani Reijnders forced another save from Pope after the hour, and they were better when Howe rejigged his front line with Callum Wilson on and Isak moved left.

‌Leao headed over in another scare, and there was no action in front of the Milan goal as the Geordies clung on.

Simon Bird