Jacob Ramsey was Newcastle United’s best player in the first half before being forcibly withdrawn at the break.
Eddie Howe has confirmed Jacob Ramsey was withdrawn against Everton due to illness.
A bizarre situation unfolded at the start of the second half as Joe Willock was hastily subbed on for Ramsey. The former Aston Villa man had been Newcastle’s best player in the first half but was clearly in a bad way as the two teams were set to resume.
Ramsey had pulled the Magpies level with a deflected effort before Everton found a way back in front due to a Nick Pope error. NewcastleWorld gave the midfielder the highest score in our post-match ratings despite being forcibly hooked at the half-time whistle.
Eddie Howe explains Jacob Ramsey substitution
Howe was asked to clarify why Ramsey looked set to reappear for the second half before being taken off. The Toon boss said: “It looked like an illness. The first I was aware (of the illness) was at half-time. He felt like he could continue but it was obvious at the start of the second half he couldn't.”
Eddie Howe bluntly answers Nick Pope question
NewcastleWorld asked Howe whether Pope has become a weakness and if the goalkeeping spot is a top priority for the summer transfer window. He replied: “I think it's difficult for me to comment on any one player or position.
“Collectively, we have to defend our goal better. That's everyone across the board. That's me taking responsibility for that first and filtering that down to the players.”
Read More
‘Perils of Europe’ - Eddie Howe
Howe believes there is a direct correlation between Newcastle competing in Europe and struggling to perform atPremier League level. But as for yesterday, Everton faced Manchester United just 24 hours before the Magpies hosted a dead rubber against Qarabag.
"Certainly with relation to the Premier League, our form for a while has not been strong enough, not been good enough,” Howe said. “We know that and take responsibility for that. It is really frustrating for us and that is the perils of Europe.
"We have tried to be laser-focused on every game. We have given every attention to every game with the same importance. But with a deluge of games, your focus can be swayed. Our Premier League return in recent weeks has been nowhere near the level it has been historically.
"Our home form has been so reliable (historically), but it has tailed off, and we have to grab that back as quickly as possible. When we are playing here, we want this to be the place where we pick up the most points and a place where players feel free to play and through our own performances that hasn't been the case."
Continue Reading