Newcastle United legend Les Ferdinand criticised Nick Pope’s game management following Sunday’s defeat to Arsenal.
Newcastle United lost 2-1 to Arsenal at St James’ Park, with late goals from Mikel Merino and Gabriel cancelling out Nick Woltemade’s opener.
It was a harsh ending to the game for Newcastle United, who had caused the Gunners a series of problems up until that point.
Though it wasn’t exactly a vintage display, Newcastle were defending well until Arsenal’s late show.
Pope was largely brilliant throughout the game, but Ferdinand believes he was in part at fault for the defeat.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty ImagesLes Ferdinand slams Nick Pope
It does seem somewhat harsh on Pope but when a game is decided on fine margins, even players who played well come under the microscope.
Ferdinand believes Pope was wrong to launch a late counter, which eventually led to Arsenal’s winner.
The former Burnley stopper tried to play a long ball to Anthony Elanga but that was cut out. Arsenal then attacked, won a corner, and subsequently scored.
“When he picks the ball up here, what I don’t understand is Elanga is going up against three [players] – it’s not like he’s 1v1 with someone,” he said.
Of the goal, Ferdinand added: “Pope gets caught in no man’s land.”
“Newcastle were the creators of their own downfall!”
Jamie Redknapp and Les Ferdinand on the Magpies’ poor game management in the closing stages pic.twitter.com/FOb481TJTW
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 28, 2025
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Eddie Howe was angry with Nick Pope
It wasn’t only Ferdinand who appeared bemused by Pope’s decision-making.
As per journalist Daniel Storey on social media platform X, Eddie Howe was angered by Pope’s attempt to play Elanga in.
Had he simply sat on the ball, Newcastle could well have run down the clock.
He’s been brilliant all day, but that starts with Nick Pope angering Eddie Howe by kicking out in a rush straight to an Arsenal player. No idea what he’s doing
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) September 28, 2025
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Hindsight is clearly a wonderful tool and, without Pope, Newcastle could have conceded more.
However, it now looks a fairly naive decision from a player boasting a huge amount of experience.
The fact he could have done better for Gabriel’s header is also galling. Newcastle really should have seen that out.
At some point, Newcastle need to kick on this season. So many points have been left on the table.