A 2-2 draw may have been a disappointing result for Newcastle in the end, but Eddie Howe will have learned a lot about his team.
Newcastle United were unable to make it three consecutive wins after they twice threw away a lead against Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park.
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A fine goal from Bruno Guimaraes and a controversial Newcastle penalty converted by Anthony Gordon should have been enough. However, poor defending allowed Cristian Romero to twice find the back of the net and snatch a point for Spurs.
It was a disappointing injury-time collapse for the Magpies, but at least the two goalscorers proved a point as to why they need to be starting from now on.
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What Eddie Howe said about Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon speaks volumes
Interestingly, Eddie Howe did not include Guimaraes in his starting XI vs Spurs. That came as a shock, but the Brazilian came on at half-time and truly changed the game.
Speaking after the match, Howe told the press how impressed he was with his captain, saying: “He did very well, it was an outstanding finish. He made a difference, his enthusiasm, passion and energy made a big difference.”
Indeed, for us, Guimaraes was the top rated Newcastle United player on the night. Now, surely, Howe will think twice before leaving him on the bench again.
But, credit must go to Gordon, too. The winger has had a tough time of late, but scored his first Premier League goal since January when he converted coolly from the spot.
Discussing his role in the draw, Howe added: “I was really pleased with his impact, he definitely changed the dynamic, energy, pace, directness. It was a good cameo for Anthony.”
Does Anthony Gordon start vs Burnley now?
Prior to tonight, it seemed Anthony Gordon had slipped down the pecking order at Newcastle. He was poor against Marseille, and only played a couple of minutes against Everton.
It was not surprising to see him excluded from the starting XI again on Tuesday, but he more than made up for it by coming on and first of all helping create the goal for Guimaraes before taking responsibility for the penalty.
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That goal will have done Gordon the world of good. Given Jacob Murphy was fairly anonymous and Anthony Elanga didn’t make much of an impact against Spurs, we can definitely see Gordon starting against Burnley this weekend.
Gordon may end up playing on the right, or Harvey Barnes might come across to that side. Either way, he has to start against the Clarets, and he will surely relish facing the relegation-threatened side.
Could the Anthony Gordon redemption arc be on? Only time will tell.
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