Anthony Gordon makes 'stupid' Everton cup game claim as Newcastle United near Wembley return
Anthony Gordon insists Newcastle United must stay humble as they look to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final.
The Magpies beat Arsenal 2-0 in the first-leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night. Alexander Isak opened the scoring before Gordon doubled his side’s advantage during the opening stages of the second-half.
The second leg takes place at St James’ Park on Wednesday, February 5 but Gordon has made it clear United can’t get ahead of themselves.
“We believed,” the winger said. “We need to come to these places and expect to win. I felt in the changing room before the game that we would win. If we want to be that top club, that expectation has to be to come here and win games and we've done that.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves at all. Arsenal are one of the best teams in the Europe and they can certainly win a game. We can’t get ahead of ourselves, we need to be humble.”
Gordon’s strike came in the 51st minute when he reacted quickest Isak’s saved shot. The 23-year-old ran to the corner flag before performing a celebration previously trademarked by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
“I had it in my mind before the game, Henry is just a legend isn't he?” Gordon explained. “He's one of the best ever in the Premier League so what better place to do the celebration than the Emirates?
“I hope it wasn't taken as disrespectful, it was meant as a compliment to him really - an iconic player, a left-winger - a great moment.”
Newcastle are potentially just 90 minutes away from a second Wembley final in three years. Eddie Howe’s side last reached the final in February 2022 where they lost 2-0 to Manchester United.
Gordon joined the Magpies a month prior but was cup-tied after appearing for Everton in a 4-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth in the third round. The 23-year-old reflected on that with major regret.
He said: “I was devastated last time. I played in a stupid cup game just before I come [to Newcastle]. I had a broken hand, I just remember thinking 'why did I play in that game'? I travelled down, unfortunately we lost but what an experience.
“Hopefully I get to be part of it this time but that's up to us, we've got a good advantage but we're facing a top team so it could change really quickly. It's totally in our hands now.”