Even Guardiola appeared to be applauding 22-year-old Newcastle player tonight

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Newcastle United introduced Anthony Gordon at half time tonight against Manchester City and once again the 22-year-old changed the game.

It likely wasn’t a coincidence that Anthony Gordon‘s half-time introduction coincided with Newcastle taking control of the game against Manchester City.

Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes replaced Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley at half time after Newcastle struggled to get any kind of foothold in the game during the first half.

Gordon’s introduction changed the game for the second match in a row

Much like he did after coming off the bench on Sunday, Gordon brought a whole new energy to the side and had the fans on their feet with a superb challenge on Mateo Kovacic in front of the dugout.

Gordon spent the entire half hunting down the ball like it owed him money which resulted in some fine challenges, but that one on Kovacic was so good that even Pep Guardiola appeared to be applauding it.

Don Goodman on commentary duties for Sky Sports spotted what Pep did and commented saying: “I don’t know whether Pep Guardiola was applauding Anthony Gordon’s aggression and intent in that challenge or if he was applauding Ajanki. But it looked like he was applauding Anthony Gordon!”

Even Kovacic seemed to be impressed with Gordon’s challenge

Gordon flew in so quickly on Kovacic that he ended up literally sliding through his legs. The cameras even picked up a smile from the Man City midfielder as if he couldn’t believe what had just happened.

The former Everton winger has become one of the most important players for Eddie Howe’s side this season after working hard on his fitness over the summer.

With Harvey Barnes now out for potentially a couple of months, Gordon’s going to have to rely heavily on that fitness as he’s likely to be starting more games than Eddie Howe had maybe planned. He seems up for it though.