I just saw ‘unique’ Newcastle player waste a huge opportunity to prove a point to Eddie Howe

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Eddie Howe would have hoped that a confident Anthony Gordon could give Newcastle United the edge over Chelsea after his new contract.

The 23-year-old signed a six-year deal with Newcastle United during the week, and Eddie Howe hoped it would trigger Anthony Gordon to get back to his best.

Whether that happens remains to be seen, as the Magpies’ number 10 was unable to feature at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Anthony Gordon travelled with the Newcastle United squad, but was not named in the starting XI or on the bench due to a groin issue.

That gave Harvey Barnes the chance to start on the left wing, but he was unable to impress as Newcastle lost 2-1.

Harvey Barnes was extremely wasteful against Chelsea

Earlier this season, Eddie Howe described Harvey Barnes as ‘unique’.

On Sunday, there was nothing unique about his performance. He seriously struggled against Chelsea, with Barnes proving to be extremely wasteful.

With Gordon out of action, it was a great chance for Barnes to prove why the left position should be his. He was doing that earlier this season, with the 26-year-old boasting three goals to his name.

However, this was a different Barnes on Sunday. While a few questionable refereeing decisions went against him, they should not overshadow what was a really worrying performance from the £39million man.

He looked frustrated throughout the game and short of confidence. Barnes could not get the beating of Malo Gusto, while his attempts to be a difference maker fell short.

Then his afternoon was cut short, with Howe opting to take Barnes off in the 68th minute.

• READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials

Newcastle’s winger issues continue to plague Eddie Howe

At the end of last season, it was clear that Newcastle needed a new right winger. Howe needed someone who can be just as creative as Gordon on the left.

But a new winger did not arrive, and it continues to plague Newcastle United. The Magpies lacked creativity in wide areas in the absence of Gordon, with Barnes failing to inspire his side. Elsewhere, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy showed no quality on the right.

Newcastle have four senior wingers. Gordon is top class, Barnes is inconsistent, and Murphy and Almiron are not at the level required. It remains a position of major concern, and that simply must be addressed in January.

Newcastle’s January priority is to sign a winger, and Sunday’s display at Stamford Bridge proved why it is pivotal that someone else arrives. There simply is a severe lack of quality when Gordon does not play.