Aaron Ramsdale makes his feelings clear after Newcastle United's win v Everton
Aaron Ramsdale started in place of Nick Pope for Newcastle United’s 4-1 win away to Everton.
Aaron Ramsdale is eyeing a regular spot in the starting XI after making his first Premier League start for Newcastle United in their 4-1 win at Everton.
A series of recent errors by Nick Pope, the latest coming in Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League, led to calls from supporters to play Ramsdale in goal instead.
Ramsdale joined the Magpies on a season-long loan from Southampton in the summer, which includes a £20million option to buy, but had been limited to just three appearances.
The 27-year-old started Carabao Cup wins over Bradford City and Tottenham Hotspur before coming on for Pope when he sustained a concussion in the 3-1 loss at Brentford earlier this month.
Nick Pope or Aaron Ramsdale decision taken out of Eddie Howe’s hands
The Pope or Ramsdale debate dominated the pre-Everton press conference, and ultimately, it was a decision that was taken out of Eddie Howe’s hands after Pope picked up a groin injury in training on Friday.
Asked if Pope would have started if fit, Howe replied: “Good try! That's something for me to know.
“Nick, we're disappointed to lose him. We can't afford to lose any player. He suffered an injury just towards the end of training.
“I didn't name the team yesterday. So we were just training as normal and he just, I think, wrong-footed on a shot and just felt something in his groin more after training than sort of in that moment.
“And, yes, I hope he's not out for long. We need him back. He'll have a scan in the next few days to find the damage.”
Aaron Ramsdale makes his feelings clear on Newcastle United starting spot
The severity of Pope’s injury may determine that Ramsdale has an extended run in the team but even if with Pope fit, the former Arsenal man has made it clear of his desire to make ‘many more’ appearances in black and white.
“250 career games,” Ramsdale wrote on Instagram. “Hoping to add many more with this great football club soon ⚫️⚪️What a performance.”
Eddie Howe praises Aaron Ramsdale performance v Everton
Commenting on Ramsdale’s performance against Everton, Howe said: “Nick and Aaron are very different goalkeepers. They've got different strengths. Still very effective, both of them.
“And Aaron, I think, showed his qualities with the ball at his feet today. He distributed the ball very well. It wasn't overly worked, necessarily, in terms of shots, but what he did have to handle it.
“I thought he did well. I don't think he'd do much with the goal. So I think it's a good day for him and for the back four in front of him. Just a good day for the team in general, really.”
Newcastle are back in action on Tuesday when they host Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park eyeing a third consecutive Premier League victory.