Journalist criticises Anthony Gordon’s body language after what he saw from Newcastle star vs Crystal Palace

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It has now been over two months since Anthony Gordon has found the back of the net for Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old has struggled for form this season and his dip continued on Saturday afternoon as Newcastle United drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace.

One of the biggest headaches Eddie Howe has faced this season is how to structure his front three. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes prefer to play off the left, while Joelinton has also played his best football out wide.

Gordon has also had to play up front this season to cover for injuries, and that may be the case again after Alexander Isak suffered an injury against Palace.

Ultimately, Gordon has had to chop and change consistently this season to suit the team but it has come at the cost of a big drop in form.

Anthony Gordon struggled vs Crystal Palace

At the end of last season, Gordon insisted he prefers left-wing and believes that is his strongest position.

However, he lined up on the right at Selhurst Park with Joelinton starting on the left. That quickly changed when Isak was taken off injured, with Gordon asked to play up front.

To put it bluntly, Gordon was far from his best in both positions. He failed to take a single shot on goal – admittedly, Newcastle only had one shot the entire match.

Gordon did set up the goal after firing in a cross from a well-worked free-kick. Newcastle target Marc Guehi scored an own goal to give the Magpies the lead.

However, he lost possession 13 times, only completed 75 percent of his passes and failed to complete any dribbles.

Howe must find a way to get the best out of Gordon as so far it hasn’t clicked for him this season.

Anthony Gordon’s work rate criticised by Craig Hope

After the full-time whistle, journalist Craig Hope gave his verdict on Gordon’s performance and he was critical of his body language.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope said: “Anthony Gordon continues to be a puzzle wrapped inside an enigma.

“Whatever that saying is, it applies to Anthony Gordon right now because there’s some good, some bad, a little bit of this, a little bit of that.

READ MORE: Why several of Newcastle’s elite players have been unsettled this season

“His body language in different positions doesn’t look good at times. He started on the right here today and eventually went to centre-forward.

“It’s a continuation of square pegs in round holes.”