Anthony Gordon is predicted to cause problems for Arsenal this afternoon.
Arsenal have been warned that Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe plans to ‘unleash’ a Magpies star that the London outfit ‘hate’ at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
That’s according to the Shields Gazette, with the outlet claiming that Howe hopes to beat the Gunners for a fourth time this season by leaning on the impetus of winger Anthony Gordon. The England international started his first match in two months as Newcastle United beat Chelsea at St James’ Park last weekend.
The 24-year-old is set to be named in the starting XI again this afternoon, which could be bad news for Arsenal. Gordon scored home and away against the club in the Carabao Cup semi-final in January and February, as well as assisting Alexander Isak’s goal in the 1-0 win at St James’ Park in November.
Newcastle United to ‘unleash’ Anthony Gordon against Arsenal
Newcastle United sit third in the Premier League table with two games left to play and a win at the Emirates Stadium would secure Champions League qualification for next season. Should Howe’s men beat Arsenal, the Tyneside outfit would climb to second in the division.
The Shields Gazette writes that Gordon has developed a reputation as the team’s ‘big game player’ having scored goals against Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, as well as Arsenal. Howe told The Gazette: “I think Anthony's got that focus and the ability to raise his game for the big occasion, which is a great thing for any player to have. It's also a challenge to be consistent in every kind of game. I also think he has the ability to do that as well. But he's definitely been exposed to big games in his career.
“You think of the international stage and the games that he's had with us. So despite him being quite young still in his career, he's still going through some important years in his development. I think he's got that strength of character to know when he needs to deliver.”
Mikel Arteta asked if Newcastle United are ‘bogey team’
When Gordon scored against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium he recreated the famous celebration of Thierry Henry at the corner flag, ruffling the flag of some Gunners fans. Speaking about that celebration, the forward said: “I had it in my mind before the game, Henry is just a legend isn't he? 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.”
Arteta has spoken this week about Newcastle United being a bogey team for his Gunners side. Arsenal have failed to score against the Magpies in the three fixtures this term. The Arsenal boss said: “They’re a very difficult team for any opposition, I think. What Eddie, the staff and as a club they’ve done over the last few years is remarkable. They've been very, very consistent and very difficult to play against, like we've been.
“They dominate almost every aspect of the game. They are great when they have to attack a low block and they have a lot of presence in the box. If they need to run set-pieces, run transitions, defend a low block or if the game has to get physical, they are ready to do that. The way they compete, they are smart. They try to take advantage of a lot of things like any good team, and you have to dominate a lot of things, even if you're not on top of the table in this league.”
In other news, 'Deal Done': Andrea Berta and Arsenal lose £50m transfer race.
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