Eddie Howe urges Newcastle United players to be inspired by ‘excellent’ star this season

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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe was full of praise for winger Anthony Gordon ahead of a big clash against Arsenal at St James’ Park.

After success in the Carabao Cup in midweek, the focus is back on the Premier League, where the Magpies host a fast-starting Arsenal side who will be keen to get one over on Eddie Howe.

Newcastle United have not lost to Arsenal at home since the 2022/23 season, with Mikel Arteta’s side failing to score in any of their last three visits to Tyneside. Fans will remember the most recent game very well; Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup to secure their place in the final at Wembley.

While there are a couple of players who are struggling with injury, Howe will have Anthony Gordon available in the Premier League after serving his three-match suspension for being sent off in a heated game against Liverpool.

The winger started against Bradford City on Wednesday night, putting in a promising performance on the left wing, but it is clear that the Arsenal game is a big test for him. In his latest press conference, Howe has opened up on what the return of Gordon means to the team.

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Eddie Howe very pleased to welcome Anthony Gordon back to the Premier League

Gordon broke a 22-game run without a goal against Barcelona, scoring late on in the defeat to the Spanish giants.

The England international looked a frustrated figure after failing to find the net against Bradford, perhaps knowing that the opportunities he had should have been put away.

However, the Toon boss is still very pleased to see him available in the Premier League again.

“It is a big boost for us to have him back full,” Howe said.

“He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break.

“I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He looked sharp, he was creative, and certainly had the right attitude for the performance. I think we need that attitude from everybody; we need everyone to be big game players. I think certainly when you look at our season, we’re playing big games every three or four games.

“He is a player who rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday.”

Newcastle United can get back on track with a win against Arsenal

There is no doubt that the Arsenal clash is a huge one for Newcastle. It has been a slow start to the season, but Howe should be happy with the way his side has defended throughout.

Scoring goals seems to be the problem for Newcastle at this point in the season. Just three goals have been scored in the Premier League so far this season, though there can be a sense of confidence that all of them have come at St James’ Park.

Beating a team like Arsenal would undoubtedly be a huge boost for Newcastle, one of the top teams in the league over the last three seasons, coming close to winning the title in all of them. The impetus is now on Howe and his players to deliver in front of what will surely be a passionate crowd on Sunday, to get their season back on track.

Things have not been terrible for the club so far, with four clean sheets in five Premier League games. If players can start scoring, then it could mean great things for the team going forward, especially in a season as busy as this.