Sports

Howe Must Axe Newcastle Star Despite ‘Dynamite’ Arsenal Display

Published

10 months ago

September 28, 2025

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Eddie Howe must drop Nick Pope from the Newcastle starting line-up, despite the goalkeeper’s overall performance against Arsenal.

Hosting Mikel Arteta’s side at St James’ Park in their latest Premier League game, Newcastle took an initial lead courtesy of a Nick Woltemade header. For much of the game, the Magpies were in control, defending well against increasing waves of Arsenal attacks.

The Gunners were persistent, however, ultimately breaking through the Newcastle defence through Mikel Merino. Against Manchester City, Arsenal appeared content when they secured a draw late on, but they pushed on for a winner, ultimately being rewarded when centre-back Gabriel scored in the dying embers of the game.

Nick Pope started the game in goal for Eddie Howe’s team and pulled off a string of magnificent saves throughout the match, although he ultimately ended on the losing side. Pope was, in fact, called ‘dynamite’ for his display, shining particularly brightly in the first half.

Ultimately, though, Pope was arguably at fault for Arsenal’s winning goal, kicking the ball forward and losing possession when, in truth, he could have passed to a closer-by teammate.

Not only that, but Pope was involved in a controversy during the first half. A penalty was awarded to Arsenal after the goalkeeper was judged to have fouled Viktor Gyokeres, only for the Video Assistant Referee to determine that Pope, marginally, made contact with the ball first.

Pope Needs to Be Dropped by Howe

For all of Pope’s high points against Arsenal, they were certainly mellowed out by the lows. As aforementioned, the former Burnley shot-stopper launched the ball up the pitch in the latter stages of the match, with kicking having never been a strong point of the England international’s game.

Newcastle, who press with intent out of possession, aim to keep the ball and build when they themselves are in control of the game. Pope, meanwhile, has never appeared comfortable adapting his own style of play to fit into a system such as that.

In the summer, Newcastle signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton. Though he suffered a third career relegation with the Saints last season, Ramsdale can not be defined solely through these misfortunes, having performed generally well as Arsenal number one until being supplanted by David Raya.

A strong shot-stopper, Ramsdale is crucially quite comfortable with the ball at his feet which, alongside being a few years younger than Pope, suggests that Newcastle may look to Ramsdale as their future number one, should they plan to sign him permanently following his loan.

Whether Howe sticks or twists from Pope remains to be seen, but Newcastle have a well-prepared alternative waiting in the wings should the Magpies choose to make a change.

Sports

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Should Quit Now, Says British Prime Minister (Exclusive)

Published

57 seconds ago

July 31, 2026

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The Prime Minister tells GiveMeSport why he believes Gianni Infantino is no longer the right man to lead FIFA. He explains why FIFA’s plan to bring investors into the World Cup has become the final straw, amid growing opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and football fans.

Sports

Newcastle Eyeing Move to Sign Antonee Robinson, He’s Tempted to Join

Published

23 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

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Newcastle United are eyeing a move to sign Fulham star Antonee Robinson this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Magpies have had a difficult summer so far, losing Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali before manager Eddie Howe resigned from his post, and captain Bruno Guimaraes is also on the verge of joining Arsenal after an agreement in principle was reached.

The manager’s exit has also led to major speculation that defender Lewis Hall could be on the move, with Man Utd heavily linked, and the club are now eyeing up a potential replacement in his position.

Newcastle Eyeing Robinson

Robinson, who has been described as ‘world-class’, has been heavily linked with a move away from Fulham for several windows after emerging as one of the top left-backs in the Premier League with his performances.

But a number of injury issues last season saw him restricted to just 17 starts in the 2025/26 season, and the USA international, who turns 29 in August, could now be allowed to leave the Cottagers as a result.

Newcastle are hopeful of agreeing a fee that works for both clubs, although a number isn’t mentioned as part of the article. It’s also stated, however, that Robinson could be tempted to make the switch to St James’ Park, despite the major losses within the squad.

Any move is expected to raise questions about Hall’s future, with the squad not needing two starting-quality left-backs this season as Newcastle don’t have European football, meaning they have a more limited schedule.

The Toon have already brought in Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Seun Steur, and Aladji Bamba this summer, while a deal to bring in a new number one goalkeeper in Lukas Hornicek from Braga is also close to being completed.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Robinson a Shrewd Signing at Right Price

Robinson has been one of the top performing left-backs in the Premier League in recent seasons, but with Marco Silva leaving Fulham this summer, there is a good opportunity for a new start for the American.

Newcastle would provide him with a chance to be competitive, and new manager Matthias Jaissle is someone who likes attacking football, which will play into the way he likes to play too.

Hall is the better player of the two, and is younger, so selling him for Robinson would make little sense. But if it’s a case of replacing Hall due to a move elsewhere, then Robinson would be a shrewd bit of business for the right price.

Sports

Celtic Close to Agreeing Deal to Sign ‘Outstanding’ Engels Replacement

Published

44 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

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A third summer signing looks to be on the brink of completing a move to Celtic as Martin O’Neill’s side prepare to defend their Scottish Premiership title.

The Bhoys began the transfer window with the arrival of Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who arrived from Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag. Norweigan attacker Kasper Hogh followed him to Parkhead from Bodo/Glimt.

A new midfielder has been on the agenda amid growing doubts over Arne Engels’ future with the Scots. West Ham United are reportedly close to sealing a deal for the Belgian, and it appears a replacement has already been lined up.

Celtic Close to Signing Mika Baur

Celtic are set to turn to Paderborn’s Mika Baur and TEAMtalk reports that negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage. The German midfielder has informed his club that he wants to join the Hoops which has helped push the deal closer to completion.

Baur has agreed on personal terms, and his agent has been in Glasgow to finalise details ahead of the proposed switch. The club are said to have made an improved bid of €3.5 million (£3m) plus €1m (£850k) in add-ons, bringing the total package to €4.5m (£3.85m)

This is still below Paderborn’s €5m (£4.3m) valuation, but talks between the clubs are now nearing an agreement and could come as soon as the next 24 hours. He is tipped for a bright future, having played a key role in his club’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.

The 22-year-old registered four goals and six assists in 36 games across competitions. He possesses a versatile profile, able to play in central midfield as well as further up the pitch and he’s prioritising Celtic over several other interested clubs from around Europe.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Celtic Needed to Replace Arne Engels

Engels has been an important member of Celtic’s midfield, including last season when he helped the Scots win the Premiership. The 22-year-old does sometimes go missing but his physicality proved vital for O’Neill.

A move to West Ham is sure to raise eyebrows because he’ll be heading to the EFL Championship rather than the Premier League. He also proved effective in front of goal, finding the back of the net seven times in 46 games last season.

Baur, described as “outstanding”, will add much-needed creativity to the midfield and help deal with Engels’ departure. He’s an exciting prospect who could prove to be a long-term solution for the Bhoys.