The on loan Southampton man was dropped for Nick Pope with Eddie Howe explaining his reason for Nick Pope switch
Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale arrives at the Emirates Stadium
Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was back on the bench at Arsenal(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
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Eddie Howe has lifted the lid on his decision to bench Aaron Ramsdale for the clash against Arsenal.
The Newcastle United head coach recalled Nick Pope for the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium with the ex-Burnley stopper making some key saves during an intense fixture. However, the game will be remembered for Pope's rush of blood to come out and try to block Viktor Gyökeres before picking up a yellow card and surviving a VAR review for a possible red card.
Howe defended Pope's performance despite the second-half mishap but whether Newcastle have learned much from changing goalie is up for debate going into the weekend's game with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls are renowned for creating opportunities from long range which could lend itself to sticking with Pope again at St James' Park. However, Howe admitted that Ramsdale, on loan from Southampton, had done nothing wrong with the England international assured that the decision was tactical before the game.
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When asked about his goalkeeping choices, Howe told reporters: "I felt we needed to change aspects of the team. I think it is hard on Aaron because I don't think he has done anything wrong.
"But I just feel sometimes you need to change the dynamics of the team. So that is why I went with Nick.
"He is vastly experienced and a very good shot-stopper. I thought he played well."
Howe takes his Newcastle players into another week of focus and reflection at Benton with three points against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park a must to keep any fading hopes of Europe alive. It's still not over with United six points adrift of eight spot, but it will be all over bar the shouting if Newcastle lose at home again.
Howe saw improvement at the Emirates Stadium and there's no doubt it was a closer contest albeit without any points on the board.
Howe said: "Without naming everybody, there were healthy performances from individuals. I thought Joe Willock drove through midfield and showed his legs and athleticism.
"He did that really well and was really impressive today. Nick made a couple of saves from distance and kept his goal really well."
Newcastle will need to back up their performance levels against the Seagulls on Saturday, with Howe commenting: "We need a win and we need a win quickly. But you have to look at the process and how you are going to play and what you are going to do.
"If we'd have had that defensive mentality in our last few games we'd have got more points. That is something to cling to."
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