Eddie Howe appears to be making his goalkeeping decisions at Newcastle United on a game-by-game basis.
Indeed, Nick Pope was brought back into Newcastle United’s starting lineup for Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Burnley.
Pope had missed seven games between November and December due to a groin injury and was left on the bench for Newcastle’s loss to Manchester United on Boxing Day due to illness.
What a start! But I don’t think Joelinton meant that! 😂
Am I being too harsh?!
After much clamour from supporters on social media, Aaron Ramsdale started in his place but did not always convince.
While Pope has been criticised by Newcastle fans this season, Ramsdale didn’t always cover himself in glory.
The Pope/Ramsdale debate has been going on for a while at Newcastle and Howe addressed his decision prior to kick-off at Turf Moor.
Eddie Howe explains decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale
The Newcastle United manager was asked about that particular call by Sky Sports on Tuesday night.
Howe stressed that it was purely based on the game ahead of them and claimed that Ramsdale had done well during run in the first team.
Pope started against his former club on Tuesday night and will hope to keep his place back in the team for the rest of the season.
“Every team selection is difficult. Nick Pope is a top-quality goalkeeper and Aaron Ramsdale has done really well but tough decisions – for this game it’s the right call,” he said.
Never in doubt 😅 How many more goals will Yoane Wissa score this season?!
Where Aaron Ramsdale ranks in the Premier League goalkeeping stats this season
There’s little doubt that Ramsdale offers much more in the way of distribution than Pope.
However, his save percentage this season ranks among the very lowest in the Premier League this season.
Of the 23 goalkeepers who have played in the league this season, Ramsdale ranks 21st in that particular metric (57.9%), and he hasn’t kept a clean sheet in any of his six starts.
Pope, meanwhile, ranks third in the save percentage standings (74.5%), and has kept five clean sheets.
Those inside Newcastle view Ramsdale as their back-up goalkeeper and the statistics this season would certainly seem to back them up.
That’s not to say Pope is perfect but it’s easy to see why Howe places so much stock in him.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!