Nick Pope was trending on Twitter this week, bizarrely after Newcastle supporters hijacked a Burger King poll about tomatoes and gherkins to say their goalkeeper was better than both.
Maybe the attention suits this shot-stopper because Pope was a big difference here at the Amex Stadium. The supporters knew that, too, singing ‘England’s No 1’ whenever he denied Brighton.
His series of saves – and goal-line clearances from his defenders – meant Eddie Howe’s men could head back to the North East with a point for their efforts on this sweltering day.
Brighton left disappointed, feeling they created enough chances to win this game. But then that’s long been their problem – lots of pretty build-up play, but not much end product.
There were plenty of players who impressed in Brighton’s 2-1 win at Manchester United last weekend, none more so than Moises Caicedo.
One tackle from the midfielder, killing an Allan Saint-Maximin counter-attack, received a rousing reception from the supporters early on.
Brighton were showcasing some nice football, as is so often the case under Graham Potter.
Yet it was Newcastle who had the ball in the back of the net within 15 minutes. Callum Wilson had scored, and the Newcastle supporters were celebrating, but referee Graham Scott ruined their fun.
He disallowed the would-be opening goal for a high foot by Wilson in the build-up.
Probably the correct call, though it was a sign of Newcastle growing in the game after Brighton’s nice start. In the 22nd minute, Saint-Maximin threw himself to the floor when breezing by Alexis Mac Allister, hoping to win his team a free-kick in front of the box.
Scott saw it for what it was – an obvious dive – and carded the Newcastle forward.
In the 32nd minute, it was the turn of Brighton supporters to think they had scored. After Danny Welbeck won the ball high up the pitch, Solly March’s shot beat Pope – but not Kieran Trippier, the right back who had retreated to scramble a goal-line clearance.
Scott checked his watch – only three quarters of the ball had crossed the line.
You could call this the ‘Dan Ashworth Derby’ – the sporting director who left Brighton for Newcastle in the summer.
One of the Toon’s new signings, Pope, was needed before the break when Adam Lallana stung his palms after spinning and shooting.
Lallana had a better chance to score at the start of the second half when March’s cross found him. His free header looked destined for the corner but Pope clawed it away brilliantly.
As if it wasn’t hot enough at the Amex Stadium, a heated exchange between Joelinton and March saw a scrap ensue. Scott booked them both for the handbags while Trippier implored with his team-mates to keep their heads.
Newcastle were clinging on. Dan Burn – the defender formerly of Brighton – made a goal-saving contribution when it looked like Welbeck was about to tap in the opener after some nice build-up play.
He slid in to ensure it stayed 0-0. Pope then denied March after Enock Mwepu’s cut-back.
In the 82nd minute, Brighton thought they’d finally found the breakthrough. Joel Veltman’s shot deflected off Burn but as it was about to cross the line, Fabian Schar cleared.
In the 84th, Karol Mitoma cut the ball back to Pascal Gross, who aimed for the bottom corner. He sent it wide.
This wasn’t his day – not like last weekend at Old Trafford where he had the golden touch.
It finished 0-0. Newcastle will be happier with that than Brighton, with Pope their main man.