Anthony Gordon proved to make the difference with his decisive goal in Newcastle United’s key victory against Arsenal.
The £45m man may not have excelled in his first few months on Tyneside, but he has been a huge part of Newcastle’s attack so far this season.
With four goals, two assists and two penalties won in 10 Premier League games, Gordon has been nothing short of spectacular for Eddie Howe’s team.
His performance against Arsenal in which he scored the controversial but winning goal has earned him a place in Garth Crooks’s Premier League team of the week.
Garth Crooks says Newcastle move was right choice for Gordon
Crooks was very impressed by the winger’s display on Saturday and claimed that he was “made” for Newcastle almost a year after he signed from Everton.
In his team of the week selection, Crooks said: “There are times when a player moves to a club, and you know within a couple of games whether he has made the right choice.
“Willian’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal, for example, simply didn’t work. Neither has Jadon Sancho’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United.
“Conversely, you get some players who join clubs and you would think they were made for that team. Anthony Gordon’s move from Everton to Newcastle United appears to be one of them.
“He was outstanding away at Manchester United in the League Cup in midweek and equally impressive against Arsenal at St James’ Park, regardless of what you thought of the decisions made by the officials. You cannot blame Gordon for that.”
To be showing this kind of form at such a young age in the Premier League is hugely exciting for Newcastle as he can only get better under the tutelage of Howe.
His versatility, speed and the fact that he looks a far more intelligent player since his days on Merseyside have proven that he has what it takes to go to the very top in football.
It’s only a matter of time before mainstream media appreciate the work that Gordon does for his team and a call-up for the England senior team is surely only a matter of time away.
Gordon’s change of position unlocked Arsenal’s defence
Howe’s tactical change in the second half was vital in securing three points. After about an hour of play, the former Everton man was moved from the left to up front as Callum Wilson was substituted for Joe Willock.
Wilson had been frustrated all game by the centre-back partnership of Saliba and Gabriel, so Eddie Howe opted for something a bit different.
Rather than playing it up to Wilson and looking to get runners off of the striker, Newcastle were able to create more movement up top with Gordon to try and get in behind the Gunners back line.
Just a few minutes after the change Newcastle found themselves in the lead through Gordon’s opener and it proved to be a stroke of genius from Howe.
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