You could almost hear the collective groan around Turf Moor last Sunday when goalkeeper Tom Heaton fell to the floor in a heap, leaving the field promptly and requiring surgery on his shoulder.
The almost unheard-of Nick Pope came on with around an hour left to play, and there was an understandable sense of nervous anticipation around the ground as Crystal Palace pushed forward.
However, the 25-year-old stood tall and kept the visitors at bay, making a smart save from Christian Benteke with his feet and ensuring that Burnley secured another three points in a decent start.
Pope continued his excellent start to first-team life at Anfield on Saturday, somehow keeping Jurgen Klopp’s side at bay for 90 minutes to secure a priceless – and impressive – point for his side.
Heaton would no doubt have been a key figure in a number of Draft Fantasy sides up until now considering the fact he kept ten clean sheets in 35 matches last season, and his injury could have seen many people hit the panic button as they look for a suitable, and equally shrewd, replacement.
But rather than looking for a recognised goalkeeper, is it worth taking a bit of a gamble on Pope?
Saturday’s performance suggests that there’s absolutely no reason not to, with the ex-Charlton Athletic goalkeeper making seven key stops and an impressive 18 recoveries to frustrate Liverpool.
His two late saves to deny Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominic Solanke proved that he has the individual brilliance needed to succeed in the Premier League, and it will only give him confidence.
Burnley’s dogged defensive mindset, instilled in their minds from manager Sean Dyche, will give Pope adequate protection this season and a good clean sheet tally certainly isn’t out of the question.
Upcoming matches against Huddersfield, Everton and West Ham give him the perfect chance to stamp his mark on this Burnley side, and he could turn out to be the revelation of the new season.
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