Everton played host to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening and were beaten soundly with the away team cruising to a 4-1 victory.
Phil Foden had scored the league's quickest goal of the season (59 seconds) vs Leeds United earlier on in the day, but Malick Thiaw was even quicker off the mark vs the Toffees, scoring from a corner after just 55 seconds.
Ahead of the game, much of the talk was about two English goalkeepers, with Nick Pope dropped in favour of Aaron Ramsdale. However, after 25 minutes, Jordan Pickford drew unwanted attention upon himself as he somehow let Lewis Miley's effort squeeze through his legs. Nick Woltemade then made it three before half-time.
In the second half, play continued in a similar fashion as Thiaw scored his second of the game, and second in his Newcastle career, as he made it 4-0. Thierno Barry did appear to get one back, but it was ruled out by VAR for handball before a moment of quality from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall did get Everton on the scoresheet.
Newcastle's Aaron Ramsdale Shines on First Start vs Everton
Newcastle United's Aaron Ramsdale reacts vs Everton
There can be no doubt that Pickford is Thomas Tuchel's deserving favourite in goal for England, having not conceded an international goal since 10th October 2024. However, the Three Lions will take two more goalkeepers to the World Cup next summer. Dean Henderson of Crystal Palace will hope to secure his space, but there is certainly room for Ramsdale to sneak into the team ahead of teammate Pope and Manchester City's James Trafford.
This game, his first Premier League start for the Magpies, was a reminder of his quality. Indeed, while Pickford made that clanger, the former Arsenal shot-stopper looked assured. He even played a role in the thrid goal, rolling the ball quickly out from the back, as Woltemade eventually scored.
The first shot on target he even had to save didn't come until the 51st minute. Iliman Ndiaye curely a left-footed effort at goal, but it was a simple effort to deal with. He could do nothing as Dewsbury-Hall scored a fine consolation, but will be frustrated not to make it a perfect outing with a clean sheet.
Journalist Adam Clery of the Independent noted ahead of kick-off: "Ramsdale over Pope about as big a chance stylistically as you can get in goal these days. Theoretically his ability on the ball means Newcastle will find it stay on the front foot (rather than going ahead and getting pegged back) but never as simple as that."
As well as Howe, England boss Tuchel will be more than aware of this stylistic difference. Ramsdale's efforts against Everton – just 37 touches in total – were a clear message to the German: if he wants to have a different option between the sticks for the Three Lions, the 27-year-old could be his man.
Fans Drop Verdict on Ramsdale
Newcastle United's Aaron Ramsdale during the warm up before Everton
Although Ramsdale didn't have many saves to make in the first half, he made a fine impression with the ball at his feet. One fan wrote: "Ramsdale pinging balls around is a sight you love to see."
Others added: "That one pass wide from Ramsdale is enough for me!!." And: "That ball from Ramsdale is what I’m talking about."
Fans were delighted as Newcastle raced into a strong early lead, as someone commented: "The Ramsdale effect ... #NUFC now we look like a winning away team."
On the third goal, one noted Ramsdale's role in things, saying:
"That starts from Ramsdale catching the ball. Pope would’ve punched it. Oh my days what a performance so far."
Similarly, another said: "Started from Ramsdale, top from Elanga and what a filthy finish from big Nick."
A final fan summed up the mood: "Look how much more confident the defenders are in passing back to Ramsdale. We play so much smoother out from the back. Not there yet but much better."