Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 18 May 2026 13:07, UK

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Jacob Ramsey was a standout for Newcastle United on Sunday as they beat West Ham United 3-1 at St James’ Park.

The Magpies went ahead through Nick Woltemade and would find themselves 3-0 up shortly after the break, courtesy of Will Osula’s brace.

Taty Castellanos’ brilliant strike threatened West Ham’s comeback, but Newcastle held strong for their third consecutive game unbeaten.

Ramsey signed for the Magpies from Aston Villa in a deal worth around £43million last summer, and initially struggled for form and minutes.

But in recent months, the 24-year-old’s Newcastle form has transformed and he has begun to finally show fans why transfer chiefs invested so much money to sign him.

Jacob Ramsey makes presence felt vs West Ham

Football finance expert Dan Plumley exclusively told Football Insider in September that Villa needed to sell Ramsey for net spend reasons, as they attempted to stay in line with UEFA’s financial rules.

Newcastle benefitted, although the midfielder’s start at St James’ Park left many fans wondering why he had been targeted at all.

The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury in his opening weeks in Eddie Howe’s squad, and was in and out of the team upon his return.

But it was this year that Ramsey started to feature prominently in his manager’s thinking.

Superb displays against the likes of PSG, Tottenham and Manchester City have seen the ex-England youth international start to really find his feet.

His performance against West Ham was the latest example, with his assist for Osula just one element of his brilliance on the day.

Ramsey created another chance and completed all four of the long balls he attempted, but it was his defensive work that stood out.

The former Villa man made an outstanding five tackles, seven recoveries and won all but one of the ground duels he contested.

What Eddie Howe has said about ‘magnificent’ Ramsey

Vila’s reluctance to let Ramsey go was enough evidence to suggest why Newcastle were so keen to sign him, but recent weeks have confirmed his ability.

At just 24, the midfielder has plenty of developing to undergo, and Howe is keen to see him take further steps.

“I thought Jacob Ramsey was magnificent when he came on,” said the Newcastle manager after Ramsey’s display off the bench against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

“I really thought he made a big difference. As was Harvey. It’s great to see players stepping up and grabbing their opportunities when they come on.

“I think we have to try to look to the future now and see what the new team is going to look like next year, I think that is our duty now.”