Newcastle United are back up and running in the Premier League.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side put a performance so bad it was labelled as “awful” by Alan Shearer at Fulham last week behind them to claim a point at home against Premier League champions, Manchester City.
It was a much-improved display from Newcastle, who actually fell behind after a brilliant goal from Josko Gvardiol.
Still, they were good value for their point at St James’ Park and did have chances to take all three.
There were certainly promising signs from a team who have largely underwhelmed thus far this season.
Still, the big talking point cannot be ignored. Anthony Gordon first won and then scored a penalty after rounding City goalkeeper, Ederson.
Speaking about the decision to award a spot-kick, former leading referee Mike Dean offered his verdict.
Mike Dean reacts to Newcastle’s penalty against Man City
Asked about the incident on Sky Sports News, Dean claimed the contact was a minimal and did not warrant a penalty.
He did, however, acknowledge that VAR would not intervene and overturn it.
“I can’t see it being overturned but I don’t think it’s a penalty,” he said.
“The contact is very minimal.”
Eddie Howe proven right by Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
On Friday, Howe spoke of the merits of playing Gordon as a central striker given the absence of both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
Gordon had not clicked into gear yet this season, with his body language at Fulham last weekend slammed by Luke Edwards.
Still, this was a brilliant performance from the winger, against perhaps the best team in the world and not in his usual position. Finally, that looked like something approaching his very best.
With a big new contract seemingly on the way too, perhaps this can really be the start of Gordon’s season for Newcastle.
It’s taken a while but there are reasons to be positive again.
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