Newcastle United enjoyed a relatively decent time of things on Saturday.
Indeed, while three points would have been nice, drawing against the Premier League champions in Manchester City can hardly be sniffed at, particularly when they went into the game unbeaten.
It was an encouraging display from Newcastle, who saw many of their big-time players show up.
Joelinton was hailed for his performance by pundit Joe Cole, while Pep Guardiola talked of how impressed he was by Nick Pope.
Eddie Howe, meanwhile, was effusive in his praise for Anthony Gordon.
Eddie Howe thinks Anthony Gordon is looking much fitter now
Starting as a central striker given the injuries to both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, Howe had talked up Gordon’s ability in that role before the game.
The 23-year-old then repaid that faith by winning and scoring a penalty in the 1-1 draw.
Having previously suggested the England star wasn’t fully fit this season after a difficult summer, the Newcastle United manager believes Gordon’s performance against City proves he’s getting back on track.
“I thought his work he got through was really impressive,” he told The Northern Echo.
“His big long-distance runs proved he’s getting back to his very best in terms of fitness levels, so I was really pleased with him.”
Anthony Gordon is about to click for Newcastle United
That is a welcome return to form for Gordon, who only a week ago was slammed for his “shocking” body language away at Fulham.
Operating in a role that isn’t even his best position against one of the best teams in the world cannot be easy but Gordon certainly put a shift in on Saturday and proved deadly from the spot.
Seemingly set to sign a new contract with the club, it was fantastic to see the forward back at something approaching his best.
Though rightly celebrated for his performances on the left wing, to have done such a good job as a striker against that opposition speaks to a player with a huge amount of quality.
Gordon looks as if he’s back for Newcastle.
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