Anthony Gordon should be worried about Newcastle 25-year-old’s performance this weekend – opinion

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There are plenty of places up for grabs as Eddie Howe plans his starting XI for Newcastle United’s first game of the new Premier League season.

The Magpies welcome Aston Villa to St James’ Park on August 12th, and Howe has some big decisions following this weekend’s Sela Cup.

He used two different starting XIs, and both came out on top. Saturday’s team beat Fiorentina 2-0, while Sunday’s smashed Villarreal 4-0. Both sides were impressive, highlighting the real depth that Newcastle have in certain positions.

In both games, Newcastle’s front three impressed. Howe’s forwards were amongst the goals, excelling against strong European opposition.

Two of the Magpies’ six goals this weekend came from Harvey Barnes, and that could be bad news for one of Newcastle’s summer stars Anthony Gordon.

Anthony Gordon fluffs his lines in front of goal

Before the Sela Cup, Gordon felt nailed on to start on the left wing for Newcastle’s first game of the season against Aston Villa. He has enjoyed an impressive pre-season, and looks to be full of confidence after winning the Under-21 European Championship.

However, his inefficiency in front of goal was clear for all to see on Saturday.

Gordon played in attack alongside Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron, and passed up some glorious opportunities to find the net. He hit the post with one, then blazed a much easier chance high over the bar.

It was a real shame to see him miss some big chances, as goals and assists are what will truly define how well he does this season.

And while he was missing, Barnes was scoring 24 hours later.

Harvey Barnes nets Newcastle brace

In Newcastle’s second game of the weekend, Howe went with a front three consisting of Barnes, Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie.

It was Barnes’ St James’ Park debut, and he immediately showed the Toon Army what he is all about. His two goals were very similar, producing two powerful and low finishes with his favoured right foot. It was clinical from the 25-year-old, who already looks like he is going to be a star in black and white.

But does he start the opening game of the season? Based on pre-season as a whole, no – it should be Gordon on the left of attack.

However, the Scouser must be worried by Barnes’ immediate impact. Gordon really needs to be more clinical in front of goal, because the man behind him in the pecking order has already proved that he is exactly that.