Anthony Gordon started his first game for Newcastle United on Saturday, and Eddie Howe believes his team didn’t get him on the ball enough.
Gordon replaced Allan Saint-Maximin in the Newcastle starting lineup, with Howe shuffling his frontline for the match with Manchester City.
The 22-year-old failed to inspire the Magpies to an unlikely victory, however, with Newcastle losing 2-0 at the Etihad. It now means Howe’s side have lost three games in a row in all competitions, and are down to sixth in the Premier League.
But it wasn’t for lack of trying from Gordon. The £45million man did well when he got on the ball, and passed up a great chance to score in the first half in embarrassing fashion. He also played an important role in creating a wonderful opportunity for Sean Longstaff, who also missed.
Gordon looked dangerous when he had possession, but Howe doesn’t think he saw enough of the ball before he was taken off after 62 minutes.
Eddie Howe ‘pleased’ with Anthony Gordon
Howe has spoke to the Shields Gazette and given his view on Gordon’s performance.
“He’s settling well, and I thought he played well today,” Howe said.
“He had some really good moments. I probably wanted him to have the ball more, to be honest. As a team, we maybe needed to supply the ball to our wide men a little bit quicker.
“But Anthony can be pleased with his work.”
A recurring theme for Newcastle
Howe thinks Newcastle needed to get Gordon on the ball more, and this is the second time in recent weeks that he has made the same comment.
He had a similar opinion after Allan Saint-Maximin started against West Ham last month. The Frenchman struggled against the Hammers, but Howe leapt to his defence. He stated that they didn’t get the ball to Saint-Maximin enough, who was defended well by West Ham.
Two different players but the same outcome. Whether it’s Saint-Maximin or Gordon on the left, the Magpies are struggling to get them on the ball in dangerous positions. That is something Howe must address in the coming weeks, as we continue to struggle for goals.