Newcastle United’s unbeaten run this season has come to an end.
Despite not having tasted defeat going into Saturday’s Premier League clash at Fulham, it would perhaps be fair to say that Newcastle have not yet convinced this season.
Most importantly, however, Eddie Howe’s side were getting the job done, amassing three wins and a draw from their opening four games.
That all came crashing down at Craven Cottage.
Indeed, Howe’s side were well-beaten by the west London outfit even if they were still in the game towards the closing stages. Nick Pope produced some big saves and the hosts hit the woodwork too, so were certainly good value for their victory.
It was a disappointing day and, truthfully, it’s felt like it has been coming. Newcastle may have been grinding results out this season but the Premier League is simply too ruthless to allow a team to simply scrape by.
Frankly, Newcastle’s biggest players have not shown up this season and Luke Edwards was particularly scathing about one Anthony Gordon.
Luke Edwards slams Anthony Gordon for “worst” Newcastle game yet
Writing on social media platform X during the game, Edwards slammed the England winger for his “shocking” body language and described the Fulham loss as Gordon’s worst game for the club yet.
Anthony Gordon has not clicked for Newcastle yet this season
Howe himself admitted Gordon was struggling for fitness after returning to pre-season late following England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Still, it is not unreasonable to expect more from him and the fact things like his body language are being questioned just a few months after there were suggestions he was open to leaving the club is difficult to ignore.
It’s not all been bad of course and Gordon remains a hugely talented player but Newcastle really do need more from him.
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