Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have picked out the Newcastle United player in fine form ahead of facing Sunderland on Sunday.
The Tyne-Wear derby is upon us, as Eddie Howe prepares for his second ever game against Sunderland as Newcastle United manager. He won his first, beating the Black Cats 3-0 in the FA Cup in January 2024.
This will be a much tougher game, with Sunderland back in the Premier League and starting the season very impressively.
What’s your favourite ever derby day moment?
The 5-1 win under Hughton was so special!
But Newcastle United should not fear their local rivals. Howe has an exceptional group of players, with Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali considered two of the best midfielders in the entire Premier League.
The Magpies also have Anthony Gordon, who has suddenly found form ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light.
Anthony Gordon ‘back to his best’ ahead of facing Sunderland
Gordon was the player of the match in Newcastle’s draw with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring once and getting an assist to continue his incredible Champions League form.
The 24-year-old now has four goal contributions in his last three games, finally adding the consistency to his game that has been missing this season.
His performance at the BayArena certainly caught the eyes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, who have praised the England international on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast.
Lineker: “It looked like Anthony Gordon was really impressive [against Bayer Leverkusen].”
Shearer: “Another goal. Another assist. Great ball in.”
Lineker: “And very unlucky not to score when he hit the inside of the post.”
Shearer: “Great cross in for Miley’s header for his goal. He looks to be back to his best, Anthony Gordon.”
Anthony Gordon was outstanding in Newcastle United’s last win over Sunderland
Gordon should be full of confidence ahead of facing Sunderland, while he can also take heart from his last trip to Wearside.
- Tyne-Wear derby: Newcastle United record vs Sunderland ahead of the first Premier League encounters in a decade
Who remembers what Gordon said to Trai Hume after this incident in the last derby?😂
Gordon was well up for the fight last time out at the Stadium of Light!
He was part of the Newcastle team that won 3-0 almost two years ago, starting on the left of a front three alongside Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron.
Sunderland could not cope with Gordon’s speed and dribbling ability, with the Scouser winning a second half penalty that was converted by Isak.
The Black Cats struggled to stop him, ultimately resorting to ripping his shirt in an attempt to slow him down.
Gordon was more than up for the fight in the last derby, and that needs to be the case again on Sunday.