Long before this run in the Newcastle United starting XI, there was a clamour from some fans for Aaron Ramsdale to get an opportunity.
It was suggested that Ramsdale was impressing in Newcastle United training, while pressure was mounting on Nick Pope after multiple high profile errors.
A groin injury to Pope gave Aaron Ramsdale the chance he was waiting for, and I do not think it is harsh to say he is not taking it in the slightest.
The 27-year-old exudes absolutely no confidence in between the sticks, putting in another fundamentally poor performance in Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Why, oh why, do Newcastle keep dropping points?! 👀
Aaron Ramsdale lets Newcastle United down again
While he did not make horrendous errors, the finger can be pointed at Ramsdale for both of Chelsea’s goals on Saturday.
Reece James’ free-kick was exceptional, but Ramsdale’s positioning was awful. The set piece was central and from so far out, yet the former Arsenal stopper opted to plant himself to the left. There was a huge amount of space for James to hit, which he did exquisitely.
The plaudits should not be taken away from James, but Ramsdale certainly did not do enough to prevent that game-changing goal.
- Introducing Aaron Ramsdale… The ‘colourful’ goalkeeper reuniting with Eddie Howe at Newcastle United
Then for the equaliser, Ramsdale was unconvincing again. Of course, Joao Pedro was always likely to score as he raced through on goal for a one-on-one, but Ramsdale barely makes himself big. That is something that Pope does brilliantly, as he continues to be a huge miss.
Ramsdale is not making glaring errors, but he is proving exactly why Pope is the better goalkeeper. Sure, Ramsdale is better with his feet, but when it comes to the basics of goalkeeping then it is not even a competition between the Newcastle United duo.
Who was Newcastle United’s MOTM against Chelsea?!
Strange to say there are a few choices given the result!
Newcastle United must pick Nick Pope again as soon as he is available
The only way that Newcastle United can fix this problem is by restoring Pope to the starting XI. However, that is currently not possible.
Eddie Howe recently said that Pope was close to returning, with the 33-year-old having an outside chance of featuring in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland. Two more games have passed since then and there is still no sign of him.
Hopefully Pope is available for the Magpies’ Boxing Day game against Manchester United, and if he is then he has to start.
Ramsdale’s quality with his feet simply is not enough to pick him ahead of Pope.