Newcastle United got a glimpse of the future against Union Saint-Gilloise, as Anthony Gordon, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga started together for the first time.
The trio were on fire as Newcastle beat USG 4-0, combining brilliantly on what proved to be a perfect night in Brussels.
Nick Woltemade scored Newcastle’s opener, which was followed by two Anthony Gordon penalties. One of those was won by Anthony Elanga, who picked up UEFA’s player of the match award.
All three of Eddie Howe’s attackers contributed against USG, with Woltemade proving to be the focal point that the Magpies needed away from home in Europe.
Gordon loved that aspect of Woltemade’s game, having praised the 23-year-old after Newcastle’s win over USG.
Anthony Gordon loved Nick Woltemade’s performance against USG
Following Newcastle United’s Champions League victory on Wednesday night, Gordon spoke to TNT Sports.
He was asked about being part of a front three alongside Woltemade and Elanga, before taking time to praise Newcastle’s most expensive signing.
“It’s going to take time to click, because none of us have ever played together,” he said.
“They’ve just come into the team. It’s going to take a while. But I think you saw some lovely play tonight.
“I thought Nick played really well, especially the way he linked up and was holding the ball up. When your number nine does that, it allows everybody to come into the game.
“Fair play to him, he did really well.”
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign
Eddie Howe’s verdict on Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade penalty incident
Woltemade held the ball up brilliantly and brought his teammates into the game, but he also showed a ruthless streak.
That came in the second half when Woltemade wanted to take Newcastle’s second penalty. However, he was denied that opportunity as Gordon stepped up to convert his second spot-kick of the night.
Woltemade celebrated with Gordon after the goal, showing no signs of petulance despite being denied the chance to score from 12 yards.
After the game, Eddie Howe explained that he had no problems with the Germany international wanting to take the penalty away from Gordon.
“I love it,” Howe said.
“The best strikers that I’ve seen and worked with want to score. Even if there is a directive, they don’t care. They still want to score. They want that responsibility because that’s what they live to do, so I’ve got no issue with that at all.”
Despite Woltemade’s desire, Gordon calmly converted his second penalty of the night. It was the first time in his senior career that he has taken two penalties in a game, with Gordon justifying why he is now the Magpies’ designated penalty-taker after Alexander Isak’s departure.
Since joining Newcastle United, Gordon has scored five penalties and missed one. Ironically, his single miss came against his former side Everton.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
