Newcastle United walked away from St James’ Park with a valuable 2-1 win over Burnley, but the performance left supporters with mixed emotions and one player under heavy scrutiny.
While the three points give Eddie Howe’s side a push at a crucial moment in the season, the overall display raised concerns, especially around a summer signing who is struggling to justify his price tag.
The match itself began with promise when Bruno Guimarães produced a moment of brilliance, curling the ball directly from a corner into the net. It was a much-needed spark after a tense opening spell.
Burnley’s afternoon became even more difficult when Lucas Pires was sent off for stopping Anthony Elanga’s burst through on goal. Moments later, Anthony Gordon doubled the lead from the penalty spot, giving Newcastle what should have been a comfortable advantage heading into half-time.
The second half, however, offered little excitement. Newcastle failed to push on, and their lack of sharpness opened the door for Burnley late in the match. A careless handball gifted the visitors a penalty, and Zak Flemming converted to create a nervy final few minutes.
Despite the shaky ending, Newcastle held out for the win, but the game highlighted deeper issues within the squad.
Eddie Howe used this match to rotate his lineup, hoping to give opportunities to players who have not featured regularly. One of those was Jacob Ramsey, the £40 million summer signing who was handed only his second Premier League start for the club.
Unfortunately for him, it turned into a day he will want to forget. Ramsey completed nearly all of his passes, but most of them were safe, sideways, and without risk. He rarely drove the team forward, rarely broke lines, and struggled to impose himself on the game.
Early in the match, he was given a golden chance by Anthony Gordon, but he failed to make the moment count. As the match went on, he looked increasingly uncomfortable, and his afternoon hit its lowest point when he conceded the penalty that allowed Burnley back into the contest. It summed up his overall struggle, leaving many fans questioning whether the deal ever made sense.
The criticism was swift and loud. Supporters online voiced their frustration, calling the transfer unnecessary and overpriced. A 4/10 performance rating reflected just how little influence he had on the match.
Even though Ramsey is clearly talented and was once considered one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders, his start at Newcastle has been anything but convincing.
His physicality looks short of what Howe demands, and his injury issues only raise more doubts about whether he can ever adapt to the intensity and discipline required in this system.
When comparing him to other signings this season, the contrast becomes even clearer. Malick Thiaw has slotted in seamlessly and shown real authority at the back. Nick Woltemade has impressed with his work rate and ability to link play.
Aaron Ramsdale has stepped in when Nick Pope has been unavailable and delivered solid performances. Even with a few shaky moments, he has still looked more comfortable in his role than Ramsey has in midfield.
On the other hand, Anthony Elanga has also struggled to settle, meaning two of Howe’s attacking and midfield additions are yet to make the expected impact.
Ramsey’s signing now appears more questionable with each passing week. Newcastle already had multiple options in midfield players who combine energy, intelligence, and work rate.
Spending £40 million in that area instead of strengthening positions that needed urgent support now feels like a decision driven more by opportunity than necessity. If the idea was to build long-term depth, the return so far has not justified the investment.
There is still time for Ramsey to turn the situation around, and young players often need patience, but the pressure will only grow if performances do not improve. Newcastle are entering a demanding period with huge fixtures on the horizon, and Howe cannot afford passengers in his lineup.
Unless Ramsey finds rhythm and confidence quickly, the move risks being remembered as a costly mistake one that could have been avoided and one that has not yet brought the value the club hoped for.
For now, the win over Burnley is what matters most, but certain issues are becoming too obvious to ignore, and Jacob Ramsey’s form is firmly at the top of that list.
