Anthony Gordon needs to find consistency at Newcastle United, and now Eddie Howe has inadvertently cranked the pressure up even more.
It has been a frustrating season for Anthony Gordon, who has failed to hit the heights he is capable of on a regular basis.
Jamie Carragher recently said Gordon is having a ‘poor’ season, but there is still plenty of time for him to improve as we head into the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, now is very much the time for the 24-year-old to step up his game after what Eddie Howe has said about him.
What are your thoughts on why Howe does not pick Gordon to play right wing?
It seems harsh that Barnes has to keep playing on his weaker side!
Anthony Gordon must justify left wing selection after Eddie Howe’s comment
Ahead of Newcastle United vs Leeds on Wednesday night, Howe has spoken to the media.
The Newcastle United manager was asked why he never plays Gordon on the right wing, having instead always deployed him on the left while Harvey Barnes often has to play out of position. His answer was very interesting.
“I don’t think Anthony enjoys the right, but Harvey is more open to it and enjoys the freedom there,” he said.
“That’s why. It doesn’t mean I can’t, but if a player doesn’t want to play there you can’t really force them to as you won’t get the same level of performances.”
If Gordon only wants to play on the left wing then that is fair enough, but that only puts him under more pressure to perform.
Barnes deserves to start in his best position, but is not getting that privilege. He either has to start on the bench or play on the right. While he is willing to do the latter, it is not making the most of his ability.
That is only a worry as long as Gordon does not perform. Now that the truth is out, there are no excuses for the England international.
While he is right to back his own ability as a left winger, Gordon must now justify his own confidence.
Who should Eddie Howe play up front against Leeds?
Woltemade, Wissa or BOTH?!
Anthony Gordon almost had a season-turning moment against Crystal Palace
The last time Gordon scored in open play in the Premier League was January 2025. That is an alarming stat that needs to be rectified.
He almost did on Sunday, finding the net in the first half of Newcastle’s win over Crystal Palace. Unfortunately for Gordon, his goal was ruled out for the tightest of offsides on Yoane Wissa.
That was a cruel blow for Gordon, as that goal could have given him the confidence boost he needs.
Hopefully his luck changes on Wednesday night, with Gordon featuring in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Leeds.
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