Newcastle United picked up a fresh injury on the eve of their 4-1 win over Everton.
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Eddie Howe’s big selection calls paid off as Newcastle United recorded a 4-1 victory away to Everton.
A Malick Thiaw double and goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade put the Magpies 4-0 up before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall grabbed a consolation goal in the 70th minute.
After beating Manchester City 2-1 last weekend, United clinched back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since April and ended their seven-month wait for a domestic away win.
Eddie Howe’s six Newcastle United selection calls pay off
Howe made six changes from Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League, with Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Miley, Joelinton, Anthony Elanga and Woltemade coming in for Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.
On the changes, Howe said: “I was really pleased for the squad today because it was a squad victory, really. We made changes because I wanted no fatigue on the pitch. I didn't want the feeling that I had after the Brentford game, the West Ham game, where I felt we were tired and lethargic.
“So, with that in mind, I think we have to trust the squad and use the squad. They repaid that faith.
“The players that came in, I thought, were excellent. The players that remained from the previous games did well too. I thought we had a good look about us. I thought we had our athleticism and pace in the right areas of the pitch.”
Newcastle United new double injury injury blow
Howe was under pressure from supporters to drop Pope and play Ramsdale after he was at fault for Marseille’s equaliser in midweek. But ultimately, the decision was taken out of the head coach’s hands after Pope picked up a groin issue during training on Friday.
Asked if Pope would have started if fit, Howe replied: “Good try! That's something for me to know.”
Howe continued: “Nick, we're disappointed to lose him. We can't afford to lose any player. He suffered an injury just towards the end of training.
“I didn't name the team yesterday. So we were just training as normal and he just, I think, wrong-footed on a shot and just felt something in his groin more after training than sort of in that moment.
“And, yes, I hope he's not out for long. We need him back. He'll have a scan in the next few days to find the damage.”
In addition to Pope, Newcastle are also awaiting an update on defender Sven Botman, who has gone to visit a specialist over a back problem.
Howe said: “He's been to see a specialist, I think, or he's going to see a specialist, should I say. Fingers crossed it's not too long. Any absence with a player of Sven's qualities, especially with the injuries that he has had, is a blow for us. So, fingers crossed.”
Aaron Ramsdale impresses on Premier League debut for Newcastle United
As a result, Ramsdale made his first Premier League start for the Magpies since joining from Southampton on a season-long loan deal in the summer.
“Nick and Aaron are very different goalkeepers,” Howe said. “They've got different strengths. Still very effective, both of them.
“And Aaron, I think, showed his qualities with the ball at his feet today. He distributed the ball very well. It wasn't overly worked, necessarily, in terms of shots, but what he did have to handle it.
“I thought he did well. I don't think he'd do much with the goal. So I think it's a good day for him and for the back four in front of him. Just a good day for the team in general, really.”