Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson could not get enough of Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka following the 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Magpies registered their second successive win in the Premier League thanks to two goals from on-loan striker Salomon Rondon, but Merson singled out the 29-year-old shot-stopper for helping the team to all three points at St James’ Park.
The pundit pointed out that the save towards the end of the fixture – a shot from Dan Gosling – was one of the most important aspects of the match, and labelled Dubravka as “absolutely outstanding” as a result.
“Gosling was offside but another great save because if actually that shot had gone in then [the referee] would have given the goal so the goalie. Dubravka was absolutely outstanding,” said Merson on Soccer Saturday [Sky Sports News, November 10, 17:22].
“He probably was the one who got them the points but back-to-back wins in the Premier League when your a bottom half team, to do that is big stuff.”
OPINION
Dubravka may have been one player who helped Newcastle earn all three points, but it is important not to forget the performance of Salomon Rondon. Dubravka was outstanding, but then so was Rondon – without either player’s contribution, United would not have got the win. Newcastle needed to go into the international break on a good note, and they certainly achieved it against Eddie Howe’s side. Bournemouth have been in fine form for the majority of the season, and they proved to be a rather substantial obstacle for Newcastle for some periods of the match. Newcastle by no means dominated for the entirety, and Bournemouth certainly had their moments. Nevertheless, Dubravka has been one of Newcastle’s most consistent players this season, and he deserves to receive praise like this. If he continues to perform in the way that he does, Rafa Benitez may have just unearthed a gem in between the sticks.