Newcastle United are back at St James’ Park.
After what has felt like an age, Newcastle finally returned to their home ground on Friday night to contest their penultimate pre-season friendly before the Premier League campaign begins at home to Southampton.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side – who have been out as far as Japan during pre-season – put on a show for their supporters by thrashing Girona, 4-0.
While it would be foolish to take too much from a friendly game, it is worth noting that the La Liga side finished third last season and will be playing Champions League football this time around.
Sean Longstaff was at the double, while Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon also scored.
The return of Gordon was noteworthy. Reportedly tempted by the idea of a move to boyhood club Liverpool after talks were held during the frantic push to avoid a PSR-imposed penalty, it was fantastic to see him back on Tyneside.
As you can imagine, Murphy was delighted.
Jacob Murphy responds as Anthony Gordon returns to Newcastle
After playing 45 minutes in the game, Gordon took to Instagram to write: “Back on the grass.”
Murphy then responded: “Missed you Gordy.”
Anthony Gordon may be heading for a new contract at Newcastle
Gordon cannot be blamed for being tempted by the prospect of joining Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy in the city from which he’s from, particularly if Newcastle considered selling him – albeit reluctantly.
That, however, does not necessarily mean he’s miserable on Tyneside.
Having shone last season, a new contract always felt justified anyway. Now, he and his agents are in rather a strong position to demand more from the club ahead of planned talks between the two.
Gordon deserves a new contract, regardless of the Liverpool links.
Now he’s back at St James’, let’s make sure he’s here to stay.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
