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One Newcastle United player has been a bit-part player in recent weeks - Eddie Howe must let him off the leash against Chelsea today.
Anthony Gordon has resembled cartoon dog Scrappy-Doo in recent weeks, reluctantly accepting a sidelined role while others take centre stage. Ironically, it was his terrier-like playing style that earned Newcastle United an instant chance of redemption at Brighton last weekend.
Gordon earned a penalty just seconds after his introduction and, while referee Craig Pawson overturned the decision, the game shifted. The Magpies were injected with a directness and energy that only he can bring to the left flank as they went on to rescue a point in the dying embers.
It has been a frustrating season for Gordon. Voted as the club’s Player of the Season last year, the 24-year-old has struggled to replicate the lofty heights that earned him a maiden England call-up.
Magical moments have still surfaced, most notably in both Carabao Cup semi-final legs with Arsenal. Gordon also produced arguably his best performance of the Premier League season when the chips were down against Liverpool in December.
But his frustrations this season were captured when he saw red at St James’ Park, lashing out at Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke to rule himself out for the final. Harvey Barnes has since taken his throne as Newcastle’s left-wing marauder.
There are mitigating factors behind Gordon’s below-par campaign. Despite playing just four minutes, he returned from Euro 2024 late due to England reaching the final. His 2024-25 preparations were delayed and it showed during those early months of the season.
Rumours about a potential Liverpool move also circulated until he put pen to paper on a lucrative six-year deal in October. Just as Gordon appeared to find his stride, the red mist descended.
But in 34, all-action minutes last weekend, the Three Lions star reminded Newcastle how important a weapon he can be in these final three games. That exude of pace and guile tinged with appropriate arrogance is exactly what the Magpies need today.
Eddie Howe should unleash Gordon from his shackles and send him roaring into battle. Champions League football is at stake and these are the kind of games he has made no secret about revelling in.
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What that would create, however, is an awkward conversation to be had with Barnes or Jacob Murphy. Both have exceeded expectations in recent months and barely put a foot wrong since the Carabao Cup final.
Football is a brutal business and a horses-for-courses game. On this occasion, Barnes must drop to the bench - a call that would inevitably raise more questions about why Newcastle signed two £40million left-wingers within six months.
He should do so with full knowledge that his own prowess might be imperative against Chelsea at some stage. As harsh as that sounds, this is Gordon’s time to shine as the main character once again.
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