Anthony Gordon does not have long to bask in the glory of Newcastle United’s win over Benfica, with an important Premier League clash to come on Saturday.
Gordon was brilliant for Newcastle United against Benfica, scoring the first goal and assisting the last one as Eddie Howe’s side recorded a 3-0 Champions League victory.
The 24-year-old has been in fine form on the European stage this season, bagging four goals in three outings. Life in the Premier League, however, has proven more complicated.
Indeed, Gordon hasn’t scored or assisted in domestic competition this season. Howe admits that he’s confused about Newcastle’s wingers, who are playing well in Europe but not in the Premier League.
The fact that Gordon was playing out of position at the start of the campaign should be taken into account but there’s little doubt the difference in his performances across competitions has been somewhat strange.
Now, it’s time to kick on as Fulham come to St James’ Park.
- READ MORE: Anthony Gordon shares what Jose Mourinho told him straight after Newcastle United beat Benfica
Anthony Gordon must convince for Newcastle United against Fulham
The former Everton youngster broke a Newcastle United club record on Tuesday by becoming the first player to score in three consecutive Champions League games.
After the full-time whistle, Gordon claimed everyone knows he’s a very ambitious player and vowed that even breaking that particular record isn’t enough.
“It means everything but we need more, my ambition does not stop there,” he said.
“It’s well known I’m a very ambitious person, so I’m very proud of that but I’ve got to get more.”
The challenge is to repeat that level of performance on a consistent basis. Gordon hasn’t scored in the Premier League since January, while his last league assist came later that month.
It’s all well and good raising your game for major European affairs but Newcastle need to start winning games when the spotlight isn’t shining quite as brightly. There has been enough talk, now it’s time for action.
That’s true of the whole team of course but Gordon’s goal drought in the Premier League is notable.
Eddie Howe backs Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade to build perfect partnership
Gordon’s partnership with Nick Woltemade looked at its best yet against Benfica.
The two combined for the third goal, with Gordon’s quick ball around the corner returned to him following a fine backheel from Woltemade.
Gordon then played in Harvey Barnes, who scored his second of the game.
The better that Woltemade and Gordon play together, the more chance Newcastle have of winning games. It has understandably taken a while for them to get on the same page but, hopefully, things are now on the up.
“I’m not surprised that Ant likes playing with him,” said the Newcastle United manager of Woltemade at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“I think they’ve got very good technical qualities and I think good technical like playing with each other.”
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