‘Be a hero’ - Newcastle United fans will love Aaron Ramsdale’s reaction to penalty heroics v Bournemouth
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Newcastle United latest news: Aaron Ramsdale has reflected on Newcastle United’s win over Bournemouth.
Aaron Ramsdale believes Newcastle United are slowly building momentum following their FA Cup Third Round win over Bournemouth at St James’ Park.
Ramsdale was the hero for the Magpies against his former club as he saved three penalties in the shootout to help his side progress to the Fourth Round for the third-successive season. Ramsdale was one of seven changes made by Eddie Howe for the visit of Bournemouth as he replaced Nick Pope between the sticks.
Ramsdale played behind a changed back line with Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento coming into the starting XI. At the other end of the pitch, Howe also opted to pick both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade in a starting lineup for the first time this season.
Just three days following their chaotic win against Leeds United in the Premier League, Newcastle United were once again involved in a mad game on Tyneside. Ramsdale was thrice beaten during the game, including by Marcus Tavernier in the 122nd minute, his four minutes after it looked like Harvey Barnes had yet again won it late for the hosts.
If Barnes was the hero on Wednesday night, then Ramsdale deserves that honour for his efforts against the Cherries. Ramsdale denied Evanilson, Alex Jimenez and, crucially, Bafode Diakite with the 18th kick of the shootout to claim victory for his side.
Aaron Ramsdale reacts to Newcastle United’s win v Bournemouth
“We’ve mentioned it and it probably wasn’t the greatest thing to get 120 minutes ahead of Tuesday, but it was about winning today. We’ve won in a different manner. We’re in all four competitions still at this stage of the season and that was a big thing but also that’s four wins on the bounce, gathering momentum.
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“Also, as well a massive thing for us is the never say die attitude. Late goals again and winning in different ways. That obviously comes from the fans, this place is some atmosphere when it needs to be.”
Ramsdale was then asked about his mindset heading into the shootout, he responded: “Try and be a hero, try and make saves.
“There were a lot of tired bodies on the pitch and that probably shows in the last goal. Credit to the lads, they have to run around for 120 minutes and on another day that through ball [for their third goal] gets cleared.”
Progression to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup did come at a cost for Newcastle United, though, as Tino Livramento joined their injury list. Livramento, who was making his first start in almost a month, limped off the pitch after suffering a hamstring injury and Howe admitted post-match that the defender’s injury against Bournemouth didn’t look too good: “Yeah, looks like a hamstring problem, which is always a worry when it's a muscular problem,” Howe said.
“Absolutely devastated for him because he's worked so hard to come back and looked in really good physical shape. So I'm not too sure on any other details other than that, but it's going to be a blow. He's obviously going to be out for a period of time.”