Newcastle get first Premier League win in six as Nick Pope avoids another red card

Newcastle got their first win in six Premier League outings, although the Magpies and goalkeeper Nick Pope may have got a slice of luck in their 2-1 win over Wolves.

Pope, who recently served a suspension after being sent off during Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool last month, would’ve had his heart in his mouth when he collided with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez in the Magpies box.

Referee Andy Madley decided to let play go on, a decision which left the Wolves players incensed.

But Darren Ambrose believes that not only were former side Newcastle fortunate to not have a penalty given against them, but also to not be reduced to ten men.

Reacting to the incident, Ambrose said on talkSPORT: “I think it’s a red card. I’m delighted it’s not been given as he’s my FPL [Fantasy Premier League] goalkeeper!

“If you look at his reaction, he was panicking. He miscontrolled it and put his arm out.

“It’s clever goalkeeping because he’s made it look like there’s no contact. I think that’s a red card and I think Nick Pope knows it.

“The only saving grace for me is that as Raul Jimenez touched it he kind of moved towards it. I think they’ve got away with one.”

Pope was spared five minutes before Eddie Howe’s men took the lead as Alexander Isak got on the end of Kieran Trippier’s inch-perfect free-kick on the right on 26 minutes.

An error from Trippier appeared to hand the visitors a point as he slipped when trying to deal with an innocuous ball into the box, leaving forward Hwang Hee-Chan with the simple task of putting the ball into an empty net on 70 minutes.

But Miguel Almiron restored Newcastle’s lead with a deflected effort, giving the North East side a crucial three points in their pursuit of Champions League football.