Eddie Howe hails Nick Pope’s calm authority as Newcastle keep Brighton at bay

Eddie Howe hailed Nick Pope’s calm authority in leading Newcastle’s rebuilt rearguard to a hard-fought goalless Premier League draw at Brighton.

Pope pulled off two fine saves on the south coast, to rack up a second clean sheet in as many games at the start of the new season.

The England stopper rebuffed both Adam Lallana’s powerful header and a neat strike from Solly March, while Kieran Trippier cleared an effort from March off the line.

Newcastle were squeezed by Brighton but the visitors held out for a creditable point at the Amex Stadium.

“He’s a very relaxed figure, very popular in the dressing room and has a real calmness about him,” said Howe.

“The save from Lallana was top class.

“You’re only as solid as your defence, I think we’ve changed personnel, added strength and added depth and now we’ve got some very good characters in that unit.

“And I think you saw that today, because we were under the cosh but we stayed calm and we battled through it.”

Pope was the subject of some social media buzz this week, as Newcastle fans hijacked a Burger King poll.

The fast food company polled twitter users asking whether they preferred gherkins or tomato on their burgers.

Newcastle fans convinced Burger King to add ‘Nick Pope’ to the options, leading to an online frenzy among Toon supporters.

Magpies boss Howe remained stoically nonplussed by the fuss after the south coast draw, admitting he could not wrap his head around the noise.

“I’ve got no idea about any of that, I only heard about the off-pitch stuff a second ago,” said Howe.

“I’ve got no idea to be honest. The Burger King stuff, I don’t really understand it.

“We’re always disappointed not to win, but we’re very pleased with the point in the end, especially with the