Eddie Howe sets Anthony Gordon a challenge amid concerning Newcastle United form

Written on Friday, 28 November 2025
James Rutherford

Eddie Howe has told Anthony Gordon exactly what he must do to re-find his best form for Newcastle United.

The 24-year-old has endured an inconsistent start to the 2025/26 season. He has been outstanding in the Champions League, but it has been a different story in the Premier League.

Anthony Gordon does not have a single goal or assist in the league this season, with his last Premier League goal contribution coming back in January. That is extremely worrying for a player who is considered to be one of Newcastle United’s superstars.

Newcastle United need more from Gordon, starting against his former club Everton on Saturday. Gordon is predicted to start for Newcastle, and he has received a clear message about his form from Eddie Howe ahead of his return to Merseyside.

Do you agree with the Geordie Boot Boys writer predictions for Everton vs Newcastle? Let us know your thoughts!

James Rutherford: “I am backing the Magpies to win against Everton. I was optimistic going into the Manchester City game last week, and I am going to stick with that despite the Champions League defeat to Marseille.” 👀

Jakob Barnes: “Newcastle fans would probably take a boring but efficient win here and the Magpies should have enough to shut out the flailing Everton forwards.” 🫰

Jonathan Gorrie: “It’s hard to have any confidence in this team away from home. At some point, they have to click, but Everton away has all the makings of another dismal defeat. Anyway, who’s looking forward to the game?! 🤣”

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

Anthony Gordon told to look at Harvey Barnes for inspiration

Speaking to the media on Friday before Newcastle United’s game against Everton, Eddie Howe was asked to explain what Gordon must do to get back to his best in black and white.

The Newcastle United manager insists Gordon is no different to any other player, with the hard work starting on the training ground.

“With Anthony, it’s the same case as any player,” he said.

“He has to train well. The training performances of any player is an indicator of what they’re going to do in the games.

Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images

“We have limited training time this year. The individual development probably plays more then because you’re not doing big team sessions. You’re doing more small sessions. The individual work and one-to-one work is so important in any player.

“To find his goalscoring form again, it will come through that. It will come through repetition and being in the right positions.

“If you look at Harvey’s goals in recent weeks, his positioning has been very good. He’s ended up with a different array of goals. Sometimes you just need one to kickstart yourself.”

Everton game is the big stage that Anthony Gordon thrives on for Newcastle United

Throughout his Newcastle United career, Gordon has delivered in the big games.

Saturday is certainly a big game for him, given the fact he came through Everton’s academy before his controversial £45million move to St James’ Park.

Where should Anthony Gordon play against Everton?

Eddie Howe may have to risk upsetting the winger😬

Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

The England international was on the receiving end of a lot of boos at Goodison Park last season, and they quickly turned to cheers when his penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford.

There will be even more boos coming his way on Saturday night, but Gordon must not let them get to him. Instead, they must serve as motivation.

He is yet to truly deliver against his former club since becoming a Newcastle United player, and Eddie Howe will hope that changes this weekend. If it does, it could be the start of a much more positive run for the Scouser.

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