Howe defends Pope after Newcastle goalkeeper’s error in defeat to Marseille

Eddie Howe backed Nick Pope after the Newcastle goalkeeper’s error in the defeat to Marseille.

A double from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring handed Howe’s side a 2-1 defeat in France.

Pope was punished when he rushed out of his goal and failed to win the ball, allowing Aubameyang to round him and equalise early in the second half.

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“I think it’s a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who’s at fault,” Howe said.

“I think we have to look at everything with a balanced head.

“He saved us many times. He made some really good saves against Manchester City just two days ago. That’s the life of a goalkeeper but I’ll certainly back him.”

Howe said his side were also punished for not adding to their goal tally.

“I will learn more from watching it back,” he said. “We need the intent to go for more goals in games.

“The intent was there. Maybe our press was not as intense as it has been.”