Jacob Ramsey is beginning to find his rhythm again at Newcastle United after what has been a difficult start to life on Tyneside.
The £40 million midfielder, who joined the Magpies amid high expectations, saw his early momentum halted by an ankle injury sustained against Leeds United back in August.
Since then, he has been patiently working his way back to full fitness, and his recent performance against Benfica was a clear sign that he is returning to his best.
In Tuesday night’s Champions League clash at St James’ Park, Ramsey played 63 valuable minutes before being substituted for Joelinton.
At that stage, Newcastle were only 1-0 up, but two late goals sealed a commanding victory, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
The midfielder’s composure and sharpness in possession caught the eye, while his energy in midfield offered the kind of balance Eddie Howe’s side have been missing in recent weeks.
After the match, Ramsey took to Instagram to share his joy at being back on the pitch and to praise the incredible support inside St James’ Park. “A strong UCL win.
Buzzing to be back on the pitch with the boys. What an atmosphere tonight,” he wrote, capturing the energy of a night when the Geordie faithful were at their loudest.
Teammate Nick Woltemade quickly responded to the post with heart emojis, a sign of the strong bond and spirit developing within Howe’s squad.
Eddie Howe, clearly pleased with the result, admitted that while his side have yet to fully hit their stride this season, the performance against Benfica was a step in the right direction.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Newcastle manager said, “It was a good performance. Even in the first half, we created some good chances but had to be patient for the first goal.
We scored three great goals and looked a constant threat in the game. I am delighted with the win it’s a massive result. Benfica are a really good team, so we had to show our qualities today.”
Howe acknowledged that Newcastle have struggled to find their rhythm in recent matches but believes the convincing display could serve as a turning point.
“We haven’t quite clicked into gear yet this season,” he continued. “Hopefully, that’s the start of what we can be. I think it’s that kind of game that we have to take forward into our next few games.
That’s the level we want to be at. We’ve been threatening to put a performance like that together. It’s a good night for us.”
While Newcastle celebrated a famous win, Benfica boss José Mourinho offered his own perspective on the game, showing both respect and frustration in equal measure.
Reflecting on the match, Mourinho admitted that Newcastle’s physical power and intensity eventually overwhelmed his side. “What does Newcastle’s level tell me?” he said.
“While the score was open, I think it was even unfairly open because in the first half we played well and had great chances to score. Before they scored, Lukebakio hit the post, so the first-half result doesn’t reflect the game.”
The Portuguese manager went on to highlight how Newcastle’s athleticism and depth made the difference as the game wore on. “In the second half, we conceded a goal we couldn’t afford.
After that, the differences in characteristics between the teams came to the fore one team with a higher horsepower engine, much more intensity, much more speed.
They have four lightning-fast wingers. When you change two in the 50th or 60th minute, and then another later, it’s hard to keep up.”
For Newcastle, the night symbolised more than just three points it was a glimpse of what this squad can achieve when key players like Ramsey return to the fold.
The 24-year-old’s confidence and maturity stood out, while the connection between players and fans continues to grow stronger with every game.
The atmosphere that Ramsey spoke so fondly of has once again proven to be one of Newcastle’s greatest strengths, and if performances like this become the standard, there’s every reason to believe the Magpies can make a real mark in Europe this season.
