Anthony Gordon is a superstar for Newcastle United, but it was not an easy start to life in black and white.
He arrived at St James’ Park in January 2023, at a time when Eddie Howe was enjoying a blistering first full season as Newcastle United manager. He had visions of ending the Magpies’ trophy drought and qualifying for the Champions League.
Anthony Gordon joined Newcastle United to help that charge, but there was also an acceptance that he might not have an immediate impact in black and white.
That proved to be the case, with the winger struggling to make much of an impression shortly after his arrival. In fact, Anthony Gordon actually had supporters questioning the decision to sign him after what happened when Newcastle took on Brentford in April 2023.
Anthony Gordon was furious after being subbed on and subbed off against Brentford
After winning four Premier League games in a row, the Magpies arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium full of confidence.
However, an underwhelming first 45 minutes saw them go into the break 1-0 down courtesy of an Ivan Toney penalty.
In response, Eddie Howe turned to his bench. Anthony Gordon was introduced at half-time, as Newcastle managed to turn the game around and lead 2-1.
As they attempted to hold on to their lead, Howe was taking no risks. Having spotted Gordon holding his ankle after a collision, he decided to replace him with Matt Ritchie in the 95th minute.
Gordon was visibly angry with Howe’s decision and had to be calmed down. It was not a good look for a player who had so far failed to justify the Magpies’ decision to spend £45million on him.
On the incident, Howe told the Chronicle: “I’ve got no problem. Anthony is a passionate boy. He wants to do well, but there was seconds left on the clock and we wanted to get Matty on because Anthony was holding his ankle.
“He just needs to control his emotions in that moment, but there are no problems.”
Anthony Gordon’s honest verdict on his first few months at Newcastle United
Gordon’s anger summed up what was a frustrating start to his Newcastle United career.
He eventually admitted that himself after scoring his first goal for the club. That came on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, with Gordon finding the net in a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea.
After that game, Gordon spoke about how difficult it had been to cope with Howe’s physical and tactical demands.
“It has been so difficult just because of the level I was at coming in, the lads here were so much higher,” he told the Mirror.
“I had such an uphill battle to match them and then had the injury. It always felt like I was chasing. I feel like I had a lot to do and it was hard mentally and physically.”
Gordon added: “So in this team you have to be so fit. The gaffer demands so much from the players and that is something I didn’t expect and didn’t know. But I know for next year so I will be on it.”
What came next was European Under-21 Championship glory for Gordon, followed by the best season of his career.
Following his performances during the 2023/24 season, there were suddenly no question marks surrounding Newcastle’s decision to sign Gordon.
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