Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has been a small revelation following his arrival at the club on a permanent deal last summer but it’s not unfair to say his performance against Burnley on Monday evening was uncharacteristic for the 29-year-old.
Having made 12 appearances during the second half of last campaign following his loan spell in January from Sparta Prague, the Slovakian stopper has already made the No 1 spot his own and made 13 appearances in the campaign of 2018/19 for manager Rafa Benitez and he has been a source of optimism during our early season struggles.
He was undoubtedly at fault for Sam Vokes’ goal last night though as he strayed too far from his line and got caught out but we did hold on to take a 2-1 victory with an own goal from Ben Mee and a Ciaran Clark effort, so in the moment or not, some of these reactions on social media are a little harsh to say the least.
Dubravka awful??? love the faith you have best keeper we have by a mile forgot about the two saves he has made!!!
— David Grant (@DaveGrant05) November 26, 2018
Dubravka’s worst game for us so far. Flappy and bad positioning. Just a blip as he’s been quality normally.
— Gary Bradford Nufc (@Gazster313) November 26, 2018
Poor from Clark and Dubravka for the Burnley goal #nufc
— Ant4Mind (@1AntB) November 26, 2018
Dubravka not on top form tonight like
— Ged (@northernersrock) November 26, 2018
Dubravka got to take the blame for me with that… He’s looked shakey all night #NUFC
— Dan (@DZ1892) November 26, 2018
What was Dubravka doing there though? FML please not another collapse…
— Vince Hill (@OnFireVince) November 26, 2018
Sack him
— mrs c (@onemadblonde) November 26, 2018
Not great goalkeeping by Dubravka
— Jake Oliver (@jolivernyc) November 26, 2018
An obvious error but plenty of fans also argued the point that one game doesn’t make a season given his efforts so far.