Newcastle United have a problem out wide, and Anthony Gordon is part of it.
The 24-year-old is enduring a challenging 2025/26 campaign, with Jamie Carragher calling Anthony Gordon ‘poor’ after a string of inconsistent displays.
There have been signs of life from Gordon, who was brutally unlucky not to score his first Premier League goal from open play in 12 months during Newcastle United’s win over Crystal Palace. He did find the net, only for his goal to be ruled out for an offside in the build-up.
Gordon’s afternoon ended in the 63rd minute when Harvey Barnes was introduced, and his display should send a clear message to Eddie Howe.
Who was your MOTM against Crystal Palace?!
THREE CRUCIAL POINTS 😍
Harvey Barnes shows Anthony Gordon how it is done
Far too often as of late, Barnes has been forced to play on the right wing. That was not the case on Sunday, with the £39million man directly replacing Gordon on the left.
That is Barnes’ best position, and he proved why against Crystal Palace. He was a constant threat down the left, always looking capable of coming inside and scoring.
It was also Barnes’ cross that helped deliver the opening goal of the game, as Lewis Miley set up Bruno Guimaraes to break the deadlock.
Time and time again, Barnes proves he is seismically better on the left than he is on the right. He is wasted on the opposite flank, yet Howe appears reluctant to put Gordon on that side.
That needs to change. While Gordon is undoubtedly Newcastle’s first-choice left winger when he is at his best, he has not been at his best for the majority of this season.
When you compare Gordon to Barnes, it is the former who appears most suited to playing on either wing. Gordon can go both ways and hurt you with his dribbling ability, whereas Barnes is a pure finisher whose party trick is coming inside onto his right foot.
That trick is nullified when Barnes is on the right, which is a real waste when you consider the Magpies’ lack of goals this season.
Who would you start at right-wing going forward, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes or Anthony Elanga?
Was not a good showing from Murphy today…
Eddie Howe is yet to pin down Newcastle United’s best right winger
No Newcastle United player has made the right wing position their own this season.
Anthony Elanga has seriously struggled, while Jacob Murphy was dreadful against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The fact he lost possession 20 times in total sums up his performance.
The right wing position is there for someone to take, but it should not be Barnes. He deserves a run of games on the left, which should result in Gordon playing on the right.
It is something Howe has been reluctant to do this season, but hopefully that changes soon.
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