Newcastle United made an eyebrow-raising change in goal in the days leading up to FC Barcelona’s arrival at St. James’ Park. Aaron Ramsdale, who had been the designated cup keeper, was handed the starting spot over Nick Pope in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League. The switch comes after a series of mistakes from Pope that have frustrated fans and teammates alike. That drop in form could perhaps be traced back to his shoulder injury last season, which is worrying for Newcastle.
“The role of a goalkeeper can sometimes be very up and down,” manager Eddie Howe said after that match. “But [Pope] has to see the longer-term vision: simply be at his very best; forget about team selection.”
The message to Pope was: find the sharpness that made you one of England’s more reliable keepers, or you may not start.
The Athletic reports Newcastle are unlikely to sign Ramsdale permanently, which could see him return to Southampton next summer. Still, his recent performances in midweek, where three crucial saves helped secure victory, offer that glimpse of stability that Pope has struggled to provide.
Pope has conceded 32 goals against an expected tally of 29.2 and has a save rate down from his career average. Some of those goals had analysts comparing him to a statue, because he barely moved as the ball finds the net. Others show hesitation or poor positioning. A pattern emerges that is hard to ignore: lack of confidence, sometimes poor footwork, and perhaps the lingering effects of injury have all played a role in his uneven form.
Ramsdale is considered quite good for a backup, but he may not be the permanent solution. One clean sheet in 15 appearances across competitions is not exactly inspiring, and his save percentage has been the lowest among Premier League goalkeepers with substantial minutes. Still, Howe trusted him for the FA Cup tie against Manchester City, though that was not a surprise as he was the designated cup keeper.
Will Howe persist with Ramsdale, or will he go back to Pope?
Either way, Barcelona will walk into St. James’ Park knowing Newcastle’s goalkeeping situation is unsettled.
