Eddie Howe has to end Newcastle experiment and drop player who had just 44 touches vs Man City
Newcastle crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as Man City sent the holders out in the semi-finals with a 5-1 win across both legs.
While the Magpies were always unlikely to make it to Wembley after their 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park in the first leg.
However, many Newcastle players were simply dreadful at the Etihad Stadium, as they lost 3-1 on Wednesday to confirm their exit.
One of the worst offenders was Jacob Ramsey, and now Eddie Howe has to simply drop the midfielder.
Full-time at the Etihad as we’re knocked out of the Carabao Cup. ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/gFpVU4szO4
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 4, 2026
Jacob Ramsey once again underperforms for Newcastle
Ramsey made a big-money move to Newcastle in the summer from Aston Villa. However, the transfer has not worked out to date.
The 24-year-old is yet to make a big impact, with the midfielder usually in and out of the starting XI.
However, after Ramsey impressed in the 1-1 draw against PSG in late January, he has since been awarded with two consecutive starts against both Liverpool and Man City.
The top two in the @premierleague are set to fight it out in the #CarabaoCup Final! #EFL | @ManCity pic.twitter.com/ldJ3xVZL5i
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) February 4, 2026
Yet, against the Citizens, he was simply dreadful as Howe’s side comprehensively lost the midfield battle.
According to Fotmob on 5 February, he only made 44 touches against Pep Guardiola’s side, the lowest of any outfield player to play 90 minutes.
On top of this, he failed to hit the target with any of his shots, only made three passes in the final third and was dispossessed twice.
| Jacob Ramsey’s stats vs Man City | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Touches | 44 |
| Passes into final third | 3 |
| Dispossessed | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 44% |
Now, after two damning defeats, Howe has to simply end this experiment, and drop Ramsey back to the bench.
Eddie Howe on thin ice at Newcastle
For Howe, the defeat has left his position increasingly precarious.
The Englishman was already under pressure at St James’ Park, with many of his summer signings not hitting the heights expected.
In the Premier League, Newcastle are at serious risk of not qualifying for Europe, let alone the Champions League, after a winless run of three games in the top-flight.
As a result, the odds of Howe being the next manager to depart in the Premier League have been slashed.
Therefore, the Magpies’ upcoming games against Brentford and Tottenham over the next week could go a long way to deciding the future of the coach at St James’ Park.