He has been an unsung hero off the pitch and Aaron Ramsdale became a hero on the pitch for Newcastle in their win over Tottenham
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank during their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank during their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United
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When Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale made a stunning save from Pape Mate Sarr's effort with the Magpies 2-0 ahead, it prompted a brilliant reaction from his Magpies team-mates, staff and supporters.
It also saw Tottenham manager Thomas Frank manager throw his hands up in the air in disbelief before standing still with his hands behind his head, clearly bewildered at such a superb save from the England international goalkeeper.
The former Arsenal shot-stopper got down brilliantly to get a strong wrist to the ball low to his left-hand side. It had looked for all the world that Sarr was about to get Spurs back in the game with a superb effort from the edge of the penalty area.
It was a save and a performance which justified Eddie Howe's decision to bring him to the club in the summer on an initial loan move from Southampton.
"He was very good," the Newcastle head coach told reporters after the game. "I was really pleased with the big save he made in the second half. He distributed the ball really well, that is one of his biggest strengths.
"We have known Aaron for a long time as a staff and the big thing for him coming to this club is he was desperate to join us.
"There's been no hint of negativity or frustration that he hasn't played and he has focused on his training and produced a performance like he did tonight. A really big moment for him and I am delighted for him."
Aaron Ramsdale of Newcastle United celebrates his team's second goal scored by Nick Woltemade
Aaron Ramsdale of Newcastle United celebrates his team's second goal scored by Nick Woltemade
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Ramsdale has had to be patient for his opportunity this season after signing on loan from Southampton, largely due to the form of Newcastle's number one goalkeeper Nick Pope.
But the 27-year-old was handed his second start of the season on Wednesday evening and it was an opportunity he has been yearning for while working hard behind the scenes on the training ground.
Ramsdale has been open about his desire to oust Pope from his position but the 33-year-old is arguably in the form of his career since his arrival. His attitude on the training ground has brought Pope on to another level but it has also kept Ramsdale ready, too, as he displayed with his performance vs Spurs.
"I've had a few chats at the start of the season from the management saying how well I'm doing," Ramsdale told the pre-match programme. "It's not just down to me for pushing but I think the level of consistency he has shown so far this season is something I can take a huge amount of pride in, knowing I'm pushing him every day and it's something I have to stand up and applaud.
"The team are defending really well but when the opposition get through, he's there and being counted upon. I have no complaints and I'm still pushing to try and get in myself but, for the time being he's doing a stellar job and I'm just enjoying watching him play.
"I'm chomping at the bit, doing everything I can to get ahead of Nick and it is really healthy. I'm taking a small amount of pride in how Nick is playing."
Newcastle paid an initial loan fee of just £4million to sign Ramsdale. They paid just £12million to sign Pope from Burnley three years ago. They are arguably the strongest pair of goalkeepers any Premier League side can boast. If they keep driving each other's levels on and both performing, that combined £16million will prove to be an absolute bargain.
While increased goalkeeper competition can often be a hindrance to a side, it has become one of Newcastle's biggest strengths.
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