Eddie Howe makes exciting Anthony Gordon prediction after Newcastle United debut

Anthony Gordon made his Newcastle United debut in the 1-1 draw against West Ham United at St James’ Park.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe was pleased with Anthony Gordon’s debut against West Ham United - and has tipped his new signing to be even better for the trip to Bournemouth.

The 21-year-old was brought on as a 69th-minute substitute and immediately caught the eye. He was quick, lively, looked for a number of give-and-goes and would have claimed an assist if it weren’t for Nayef Aguerd’s last-ditch tackle to deny Callum Wilson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Yeah, very pleased,” Howe said. “Your first action here at St James’ Park is important. His first pass was a brilliant one, he injected some life into us at a time where we needed it in the game.

Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.  (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.  (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“(I’m) disappointed for him that we couldn’t get him in the box and see what he can do closer to goal but he did really well when he came on.”

Gordon has barely trained with his new teammates since his £45million move from Everton last Sunday as they prepare and then recovered from the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Southampton on Tuesday.

The Liverpool-born forward was largely restricted to individual sessions. But with no midweek game, Howe believes Gordon will benefit from a full week’s training ahead of the long trip to Bournemouth.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Howe said: “I don’t think there is necessarily a limit on him but I think he will benefit so much from training with us when you consider this week and the training he’s had has been more individual-based rather than team-based and that’s very difficult to build relationships with the team.

“He will have benefitted from his little cameo today which was really positive and next week will train fully with the team as we prepare for Bournemouth.” 

Following Gordon’s bright cameo, Magpies fans already debated starting the former Preston North End loanee ahead of Allan Saint-Maximin at the Vitality Stadium.

If social media is anything to go by, the Frenchman’s display against West Ham divided opinion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Every player needs confidence, Maxi will benefit from today,” Howe said. “I thought we saw him in flashes today but we didn’t get him the ball enough. West Ham defended well against him so I think there is a combination of factors.

“I thought the application and effort were there. He’ll benefit from today.”