Alan Shearer has hailed Nick Pope for a 'magnificent' performance as the summer signing helped Newcastle United earn a draw at Brighton. The England international made a number of key saves as Eddie Howe's side recorded a second straight clean sheet to claim a point against the Seagulls.
Matt Targett's injury forced the Magpies into a defensive reshuffle, with Sven Botman handed his full black-and-white debut and Dan Burn shifted to left-back. Newcastle were only able to muster a single shot on target, as Graham Potter's side fashioned several opportunities to break the deadlock.
The visitors were forced to clear the ball off their own goalline twice, with Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar coming to the rescue either side of the interval. Pascal Gross squandered a glorious late opening from close-range, after Pope produced vital stops to deny Adam Lallana and Solly March.
READ MORE: Nick Pope display justifies Howe decision: Brighton 0-0 Newcastle match report
It was a standout display from Pope on the back of a bizarre turn of events which saw the goalkeeper trending on social media on Friday. Shearer showed his appreciation for the former Burnley shot-stopper's display with his post-match post, and it was a verdict clearly shared by grateful Magpies fans.
One supporter replied: "What a legend today. He'll be trending again tonight after that display."
Another fan commented: "Not wrong there Big Al, defo my MOTM."
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