‘Ran the show’: Garth Crooks now admits he was very wrong about 22-year-old Newcastle player

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There was a lot of uncertainty when Newcastle United splashed out to sign Anthony Gordon from Everton.

While some suggested it was a brilliant deal, others were unconvinced. Those who did not need convincing were Newcastle officials, who seemed adamant that Gordon would turn out to be a success in black and white.

It was a tough start for the Scouser. He struggled to have an impact during his first few months as a Toon player, and later admitted how difficult he found it.

But a bright summer with England Under-21s has acted as a springboard for Gordon, and he has arguably been Newcastle’s best player so far this season.

The 22-year-old has four goal contributions from six appearances this season, two of which came against Sheffield United on Sunday.

Gordon was Newcastle’s man of the match during the 8-0 win, coming off the bench to get an assist and score himself at Bramall Lane. It was an outstanding performance, and one that earned him a place in the BBC Sport Team Of The Week.

Garth Crooks says Anthony Gordon ‘ran the show’ against Sheffield United

Following the conclusion of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Garth Crooks has now named his BBC Sport Team Of The Week.

It includes just two Newcastle players, with Kieran Trippier and Gordon named alongside the likes of Phil Foden and Yves Bissouma.

“This is a different player for Newcastle than I saw for Everton,” Crooks wrote.

“Not only does Gordon look a better player in the colours of the North-East club, his performance in midweek against AC Milan in the Champions League proved it.

“Gordon started on the bench for Newcastle against a Sheffield United side in desperate need of points – hardly surprising bearing in mind how hard he worked in Milan. But, having come on for the injured Harvey Barnes after just 12 minutes, Gordon practically ran the show in what turned out to be an 8-0 romp.

“I wasn’t convinced by Gordon’s transfer to Newcastle but manager Eddie Howe obviously saw something I didn’t.”

Gordon was outstanding for Newcastle

As is usually the case with Crooks, some of his opinions are questionable. Was Gordon really that good against AC Milan? He seemed pretty quiet, personally.

But there is no denying his impact against Sheffield United on Sunday, coming off the bench to inspire a historic win for the Magpies.

Gordon is further endorsement of the Toon recruitment strategy, and proof that not every signing will be an instant success. Some need time to settle, but they will eventually become a hit.

That is exactly what Gordon has been so far this season, and he is now proving to be well worth the £45million investment.

Crooks was wrong about him, as were many others.