Karius avoids a horror show on strangest day
LORIS KARIUS is unlikely to play ever again for Newcastle. But at least this time in retreating to the shadows they will not feel nearly so dark.
We still do not know how deep the cuts run from that tearful and traumatic night in Kyiv five years ago, when two of his howlers led to Real Madrid goals in a 3-1 defeat for Liverpool in the final of the Champions League. Given this was his first appearance for an English club since then — and first for any team in two years — you suspect some of the wounds are unhealed. This game had the potential to be scarring, too.
The circumstance of his promotion from fourth-choice goalkeeper to cupfinal starter in a matter of weeks captured the imagination, especially of those with a ghoulish thirst for failure. It felt like the whole world was waiting for Karius to drop the ball, quite literally. Thankfully, for him, they are still waiting. The problem is, Karius must now wait for his next start, and the chances are that will be at a club other than Newcastle. As of today, the German is back behind Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka — suspended and cup-tied respectively — and with his contract up in the summer, perhaps it will be that his sole entry into the club’s history books will be this final. It will not be unkind on him. He was left exposed by his defence for Manchester United’s first goal — their high line was low on intelligence — and Casemiro headed home relatively unopposed from a Luke Shaw free-kick. And, although you feared culpability for their second soon after, there was significant mitigation. Those with a heart peered through their fingertips as Karius could only get his to Marcus Rashford’s shot and the ball landed in the net. But in committing his weight to block a low effort, the keeper was handicapped by gravity as a deflection off defender Sven Botman took the ball high. It would be cruel to blame Karius, even though some were tempted to claim that Pope would have made the save. But thereafter United could not find a way beyond the 29-year-old, and with a further six shots on target they certainly tried. Because of that, Newcastle remained in the game. There were two excellent saves that were anything but routine. Come full time, there was a big hug from co-owner Amanda Staveley. It was both consolation for the team’s loss but also thanks for a performance that many thought beyond him. The fairytale of redemption was not forthcoming — victory was needed for that — but nor was it a horror show. Eddie Howe had challenged Karius to ‘rewrite the story of his career’ after his unexpected call-up. All things considered, the keeper will probably take what unfolded. It was no bestseller, but he did not want to make headlines. Who knows where, and when, his next chapter will be written?