Eddie Howe 'concerned' after Nick Pope blunder in Newcastle Marseille defeat

Newcastle United's Champions League qualification hopes suffered a blow after a 2-1 defeat to Marseille, with Nick Pope's error proving costly in the second half.

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was guilty of a mistake at Marseille (Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted he was worried about Nick Pope's second-half error in Marseille. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang capitalised on the mistake to equalise at the beginning of the second period before netting a second goal. However, Howe maintained that it was a collective issue rather than placing blame solely on the England international.

Pope's blunder came merely days after producing a series of outstanding saves against Manchester City and the goalkeeper retains Howe's full support. When questioned about the second-half lapse in judgement, Howe said: "I think it's a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who's at fault. 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."

Reflecting after the 2-1 defeat complicated Newcastle's last 16 prospects, Howe said: "We got what we deserved. It was not a West Ham or Brentford. There are areas we can improve. These are the games we want to play in and test ourselves in.

"The second half I think we did not react to the goal. We did not react to the goal, we were on the back foot and the crowd came into it. Then we were not at our best."

Howe acknowledged that the loss could serve as a valuable lesson but recognised that Newcastle's slender advantage was always going to leave them exposed if Marseille began the second half with intensity. Howe stated: "I will learn more from watching it back. 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. 1-0 is a delicate scoreline and we did not defend well enough. The result leaves us bruised. We have great games ahead."