Jamie Carragher has questioned Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, suggesting that the Slovakian cost his side against Wolves.
The 6ft 3in 30-year-old was involved in a late error that led to a 95th minute Willy Boly equaliser on Monday night – a week after he let in a soft goal from Tottenham’s Son Heung-min at Wembley.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of the Wolves match, as quoted by the Chronicle, Carragher said: “The goalkeeper – and I think he’s been a great goalkeeper for Newcastle – he’s made a few mistakes of late .
“Willy Boly shows great desire to get there. He jumps earlier than the goalkeeper, his hands are resting on the goalkeeper but he has to do better.
“It is a contact sport. There can be contact. His hands go up to give him leverage and I don’t think it’s a foul. It looks worse when you really slow it down but I think the goalkeeper has to do more.
“And that isn’t the first time in the last few weeks he’s cost them.”
OPINION
It’s unfortunate, but Carragher is right. Dubravka has been remarkable for Newcastle at times this season, but has looked very shaky in recent weeks and has essentially cost his side three points in their last two matches. Nobody like to see a goalkeeper make a howler, and it can be such a lonely position when things go wrong, but the Slovakian needs to steel himself and remind himself of just how good he is. On his day he is one of the Magpies’ most crucial players, and while they have cost his side, he cannot afford to let a couple of mistakes get on top of him. For both his own sake and that of his side, here’s hoping that the 30-year-old can put his recent mishaps behind him and return from the Toon Army’s warm weather training fresh, revitalised, and looking more like his usual self. Newcastle’s survival hopes could hinge on it.
