Eddie Howe made his feelings towards Anthony Gordon very clear during Newcastle United’s defeat to West Ham.
The 24-year-old was restored to the starting XI at the London Stadium, having been given a rest for the Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Anthony Gordon was anything but revitalised following his absence from the starting lineup. He produced a woeful 45 minutes during Newcastle United’s defeat to West Ham, which resulted in him being taken off at half-time.
He was part of a triple substitution, with Eddie Howe seriously unhappy with his team’s performance.
After the game, Howe admitted he could have taken anyone off, but the decision to replace Gordon was a brutal message for a player who continues to disappoint in the Premier League.
As the England international continues to impress on the grandest stage, the Newcastle United manager needs to take things one step further.
Anthony Gordon puts his hands on his head during West Ham vs Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe should drop Anthony Gordon in the Champions League
Gordon has been Newcastle’s best player in the Champions League, scoring four goals and providing one assist. He has been exceptional, with Gordon admitting he loves playing in these high stakes European games.
However, that is an honour that you have to earn. If Gordon wants to keep shining in the Champions League, he needs to justify his inclusion by shining in the Premier League too. He is currently not doing that, having gone 19 league games without a goal or an assist.
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With that in mind, Howe should take a gamble and drop Gordon for Wednesday night’s Champions League game against Athletic Club. That would send an even stronger message to a player who can be the Magpies’ most influential on his day.
While it would be harsh given Gordon’s Champions League performances, he needs to appreciate that he is not guaranteed to start these high profile matches.
Who could replace Anthony Gordon in attack for Newcastle United
What makes this an even easier decision for Howe is the wealth of options he has to replace Gordon.
The most obvious is Harvey Barnes, who has also excelled in the Champions League. He has scored three goals in the competition so far, and is probably deserving of more opportunities as a starter.
Elsewhere, Howe could deploy Joelinton or Jacob Ramsey on the left of attack. The former played there against West Ham following Gordon’s substitution, while it is a role we have seen Ramsey thrive in for Aston Villa.
Finally, Anthony Elanga is both-footed and can operate on both flanks. His best Newcastle moments have come in the Champions League, putting in a player of the match display against Union Saint-Gilloise.
With four alternatives at his disposal, Howe should seriously consider removing Gordon from his Newcastle United starting XI for the Champions League clash with Athletic Club.