Premier League table since Nick Pope's injury - Staggering results for Newcastle United

We've suffered so many unfortunate setbacks this season, with injuries and suspensions constantly causing problems, but it feels like the loss of Nick Pope has been the biggest one yet.

At the time of his injury (our 1-0 win over Man Utd on December 2nd), we were 5th in the table, just two points behind Liverpool and three from Man City in 2nd. We had the second best goal difference in the league and had kept six clean sheets in our opening 14 games; very good going considering our tough set of opening fixtures.

Since then, the drop-off has been huge, highlighted by the Premier League table below. Based on all results since Pope's shoulder injury three months ago, this would be the league standings:

In reality, we are 10th in the table and still only two points behind Brighton in 7th; which could yet be a Europa League spot if a top-six team wins the FA Cup and UEFA rankings allow England's 5th place side into the Champions League. However, it highlights just how poor we've been without our sweeper-keeper.

In the 12 games he's missed, we've conceded a whopping 31 goals. No Premier League team has let in more during that time. Even Sheffield United (27) and Burnley (26) have conceded less.

It's also quite telling that Wolves have picked up twice as many points in that time, taking 23 from a possible 36, compared to our 11.

The good news is Pope is expected back at some stage next month, but with key games against Wolves, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Ham to come over the next few weeks, let's hope our performances - especially at the back - improve. They'll have to!