Anthony Gordon’s performance for Newcastle United against Bayer Leverkusen was a bright spot for Eddie Howe.
In typical Newcastle United fashion, Howe’s side threw yet another lead away as Alejandro Grimaldo denied them a famous comeback win in the Champions League.
Indeed, the Magpies were left disappointed as Newcastle drew 2-2 with Leverkusen after they briefly looked set to take all three points.
Gordon’s good form continued, at least.
Who was your MOTM vs Bayer Leverkusen?
In fact, Gordon was Newcastle’s best player against Leverkusen, scoring a penalty and registering an assist for Lewis Miley out in Germany.
As ever, it’s difficult to know where exactly this team are at the moment, but Gordon is certainly enjoying a purple patch and Howe was impressed.
Eddie Howe praises Anthony Gordon after Newcastle United draw with Bayer Leverkusen
Naturally, the Newcastle United manager was asked about the 24-year-old during his post-match press conference.
Clearly, Gordon was always likely to be praised after a strong second-half showing.
When asked about the winger, Howe said: “Ant’s got the quality.
“The ball he put in for Lewy Miley’s goal was first class. When he’s in that kind of form, he’s a difference-maker.”
Interestingly, however, Howe did hint that Gordon is only a difference-maker when he’s in the kind of form he is now.
Recent performances have generally been good but, up until the last few games, Gordon had been struggling domestically for months.
How would you rate Anthony Gordon’s current form out of 10? Feels like he’s on his way back 😍
Another big showing from the England star!
Anthony Gordon is a player transformed and he keeps saving Newcastle United
Gordon impressed for Newcastle against Tottenham even before he scored the penalty that almost won them the game.
He was equally positive against Burnley on Saturday and while it was Bruno Guimaraes who scored a fantastic opener, it was Gordon who bagged the match-winning goal.
This is a player who had gone from a frankly ridiculous drought in domestic competition to one who is stepping up and saving Newcastle from an even worse run of results.
Howe is right. When Gordon is playing like this, it’s difficult for anyone to stop him.
The frustration is that Newcastle just hadn’t seen it consistently enough for months prior to this purple patch.
Hopefully, the rest of the team can start matching his levels of output going forward.
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