Anthony Gordon’s struggles for Newcastle United this season are well documented.
It has been a really tough start to the season for Anthony Gordon, who has only looked comfortable in an England shirt.
The 23-year-old has started all of Newcastle United‘s Premier League games so far, but has been nowhere near his best.
Gordon was criticised for his body language against Fulham, as the Magpies slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. It was arguably Gordon’s worst performance in a Newcastle shirt, after joining the club in January 2023.
Anthony Gordon has been building up his fitness
Despite struggling for form, Eddie Howe has persevered with Gordon. There has been an attempt to increase his match sharpness, after the attacker experienced an unsettling summer.
He was away with England for the Euros, where he made just one appearance. He then missed out on most of pre-season with Newcastle, playing in just one friendly.
Earlier in the season, Howe noted that he was using games to get Gordon up to speed, as the winger struggled to have the kind of impact he was having last season.
When Newcastle United think Gordon might get back to his best
However, the hope is that his best football is not far away.
According to the Daily Mail, people inside Newcastle United believe that Gordon is getting close to the level he was at in March 2024 when he won his first England cap.
They also note that there is confidence that he will sign a new contract, with Gordon on the brink of agreeing a new deal at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon’s numbers this season compared to the 2023/24 campaign
Last season, Gordon started Newcastle United’s first five Premier League games of the season – just like he has this season.
At this stage last year, Gordon had provided one assist and scored one goal. The assist was for Sandro Tonali in that emphatic win over Aston Villa, while the goal was his first ever for the club and it came in a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
12 months on, Gordon’s numbers are not too different. His only goal contribution is the equaliser against Bournemouth back in August. However, he has been agonisingly close to contributing more. Gordon hit the post against Wolves, as an incredible solo run almost resulted in an outstanding goal.
In terms of output, Gordon is not much worse off. And it was game six last season that he burst into life, as Newcastle trounced Sheffield United 8-0 at Bramall Lane.
Hopefully gameweek six brings Gordon the same joy this season – only this time the Magpies are up against Premier League champions Manchester City.
Gordon is predicted to start for Newcastle, although it remains to be seen if he will be on the left or the right of attack.
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