Newcastle United 2-3 Everton: Jacob Ramsey scored his first St James’ Park goal before being forced off at half-time.
Jacob Ramsey was a surprise withdrawal for Newcastle United at half-time as they went on to lose 3-2 to Everton at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Ramsey had equalised for The Magpies following Jarrad Branthwaite’s opener before Beto put the visitors back in front before the break.
The match marked Ramsey’s return after missing the 3-2 Champions League win over Qarabag due to a hamstring problem.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Jacob Ramsey withdrawn
The midfielder passed a Friday fitness test and was put straight back into the starting line-up. It was an opportunity the former Aston Villa man took in the opening 45 minutes as he grabbed his second goal of the season and first at St James’ Park while also being one of Newcastle’s most influential players on the pitch.
But Ramsey’s positive display was halted as he was forced off right before the second half could start. The midfielder emerged after half-time and looked ready to start the second half before he took ill and couldn’t proceed.
He was replaced by Joe Willock for the second half.
Explaining the impromptu change, Howe said: “It looked like an illness. At first, I was aware it was at half-time.
“He felt he could continue, but it was obvious at the start of that half that he couldn't.”
It was an unusual forced substitution for Newcastle and one that ultimately impacted their chances, given Ramsey’s positive performance and the fact Willock made limited impact following his introduction.
Newcastle United changes
Howe also made a few tactical tweaks during the game with Anthony Gordon starting up front before moving out to the left and Nick Woltemade moving from midfield into attack.
But The Magpies’ boss admitted the German forward struggled to get into the game once again as he failed to threaten the goal.
“Yes, we shuffled around a little bit today,” Howe said. “I don't think we were quick starters. We conceded a goal, we needed a fresh impetus in the game.
“I thought the changes helped us, especially in that second half, as I say, I thought it was our best period of the game.
“Nick, we struggled to get him into the game with the amount of ball that we would have liked to have done. And even when he moved to centre-forward again, I felt he was short of touches and short of goalmouth involvement.
“So that's why we made the changes we did.”
Continue Reading