Eddie Howe’s decision to drop Nick Pope has been further vindicated following a fine performance from Aaron Ramsdale against Chelsea.
Indeed, Newcastle United beat Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday evening to move up to ninth and within six points of the Blues in the Premier League table.
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While it was Anthony Gordon who scored the only goal of the game amid impressive performances from the likes of Joe Willock, Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall, Ramsdale was another standout.
Though Howe’s decision to drop Pope was a big call, Ramsdale’s performance offered yet more justification.
Ramsdale’s impressive stats vs Chelsea prove he was the right choice
Ramsdale hasn’t always been convincing since he joined on loan from Southampton but anyone who has watched him in recent weeks will surely agree that he’s starting to look much more settled.
As per FotMob data, the 27-year-old made a total of three saves.
Still, it was his overall game that impressed so much. He largely commanded his area very well and gave his defensive line little to worry about.
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Pope, of course, remains a fine shot stopper but his decision making has been erratic this season.
That has often appeared to cause panic in the Newcastle rearguard; of which none was evident on Saturday afternoon.
Watching on, the whole defensive unit looked settled, thanks to an assured outing from Ramsdale.
The man on loan from Southampton twice acted as a sweeper, while making four high claims.
Even when handed something of a hospital pass of a ball from Jacob Ramsey, Ramsdale didn’t panic and instead won his side a goal kick by booting the ball off Cole Palmer.
Pope has been a fine servant to the club and still has a place in the squad, of course.
His contribution to the cause cannot be forgotten but the decision to replace him cannot be questioned.
Now, it remains to be seen if Ramsdale can do enough to convince the club he’s the man for the long term.
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