Anthony Gordon was at his best against Benfica, but the Newcastle United forward knows there are still more changes to his game that he can make.
He was the best player on the pitch as Newcastle United beat Benfica, with the 24-year-old scoring a goal and providing an assist.
Anthony Gordon was unstoppable, as the Toon winger continued his blistering form in the Champions League. All five of his goal contributions this season have come in Europe, and he could have had another had the referee given him a penalty on Tuesday night.
The England international went down in the second half after a collision in the box, and it appeared as though the referee pointed to the spot. There were cheers from the crowd, followed by confusion when Benfica resumed the game with a goal kick.
Anthony Gordon has now given his verdict on the penalty incident, insisting that he knows he must not get as ‘frustrated’ when decisions do not go his way.
Anthony Gordon runs with the ball during Newcastle United's Champions League game against Benfica.
Photo by Trevor Wilkinson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Anthony Gordon knows he is ‘guilty’ of getting ‘too frustrated’
Speaking to BeIN Sports after Newcastle United’s win over Benfica, Gordon has admitted he thought he should have been awarded a penalty.
However, he did not complain, stating that he knows he needs to do less of that for club and country.
“I thought my one was a pen,” he said.
“I haven’t seen it back. As I was down, I heard a cheer from the crowd so I’m thinking I’m going to put the pen in. I’m really going through my process. But I got up and saw it was a goal kick. Really confused.
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“You can’t moan at it. I’m guilty of that too often. Sometimes I get a bit too frustrated. I’ve just got to get back in position and carry on.”
Gordon’s temperament has often been a topic of debate. There have been occasions when his body language on the pitch has been poor, while there have also been moments of madness.
The Magpies’ number 10 has been sent off twice in 2025. The first red card came against Brighton in the FA Cup, while the second was against Liverpool in the Premier League this season. Both incidents were born out of frustration and were completely avoidable.
Gordon’s words suggest he is working on his attitude on the pitch, which is certainly positive.
Anthony Gordon settles Newcastle United penalty debate
Had Gordon been given the penalty that he thought he should have won, there would have been no debate over who was taking it.
Gordon is the Magpies’ designated penalty taker, despite Nick Woltemade wanting to take one ahead of him in the Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
Since that incident, Newcastle’s record signing has scored an incredible penalty for his new club. That came against Nottingham Forest when Gordon was off the pitch.
Despite Woltemade’s amazing penalty, Gordon insists he is in charge of all efforts from 12 yards.
“There wouldn’t have been an argument,” he said.
“He [Woltemade] said to me last game, you just take them. He took an amazing pen and if I’m off the pitch, I’m really confident we’ll score because he’s a top pen taker.”