Eddie Howe gave an interesting answer when asked about Aaron Ramsdale’s performance for Newcastle United against Everton.
Following Nick Pope’s injury in training, Ramsdale started for the Magpies as Newcastle United beat Everton 4-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Pope had been under major pressure at Newcastle following a series of high-profile mistakes but it’s unclear whether he would have been dropped had he been fully fit.
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Still, what matters is that Ramsdale made his first start of the Premier League season.
The Southampton loanee looked comfortable enough on the ball and was largely solid when called upon, although he could have done little about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s goal.
In truth, the goalkeeper had little to do against the Toffees and Howe did admit that after the game.
Eddie Howe says Aaron Ramsdale didn’t have much to do against Everton
The Newcastle United manager was speaking during his post-match press conference.
Howe refused to confirm if he’d have dropped a fully fit Pope and did praise Ramsdale for his performance.
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“Aaron, I think, showed his qualities with the ball at his feet today, he distributed the ball very well.
“Wasn’t overly worked necessarily in terms of shots but what he did have to handle, he did well.”
Eddie Howe speaking after Newcastle United’s win over Everton
However, the Magpies boss did openly admit Ramsdale didn’t have a lot to do on his first league start for the club.
In total, Ramsdale made one save, one high claim, and five recoveries.
Those hoping he will replace Pope on a full-time basis may need to wait a little longer. Such was Newcastle’s dominance, it’s perhaps not the game from which to draw many definitive conclusions.
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It does, however, look very likely that Ramsdale will continue in goal for Newcastle against Tottenham on Tuesday.
Howe confirmed during his press conference that Pope was set for a scan on his groin injury.
“He’ll have a scan in the next few days to find the damage,” confirmed Howe.
Whether or not Pope reclaims his starting berth, Newcastle need him back in action.
Any injury to Ramsdale now could mean that John Ruddy needs to play and he’s never made a senior competitive appearance for the club.
Ramsdale played well against Everton but given the nature of the game, it’s hard to confidently predict he will do enough to replace Pope going forward.
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