The Magpies will tackle Manchester United with Eddie Howe looking to get the best out of Anthony Gordon again
Anthony Gordon in action with James Garner during the Newcastle United vs Everton match at St James' Park
Anthony Gordon in action with James Garner during the Newcastle United vs Everton match at St James' Park(Image: Nigel Roddis/Sportimage/SmartFrame)
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted that Anthony Gordon's struggles against Everton were a "frustration" on Saturday.
The England international was shifted from a central striker role to his original wing position against the Toffees. But his afternoon culminated in a loss of possession that let in his old club to score the winner.
Gordon was the subject to pockets of boos as he went off but his performance summed up a game in which Newcastle's initial set-up had a negative knock on effect in a clash Newcastle really needed to win.
Howe must decide whether to continue with Gordon in attack against Man United. Gordon rifled home the winner in this fixture two seasons ago and will be hungry to put things right.
When asked about the negative reaction on Gordon, Howe said: "I wasn't aware of the jeers. We used him in a few different positions; we were trying to find something to make the team play better.
"I thought he had his moments, as he usually does, with the quality he possesses. That is a frustration for us."
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring against Manchester United
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring against Manchester United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Howe will use the early part of the week to solve the issues that dented hopes of victory on Saturday. He will speak to individuals over "dips" in form with the encounter against Michael Carrick's side now absolutely pivotal to a late push for a Europa Conference League spot.
Howe said: "The Premier League hasn't been anywhere near good enough. That is the danger of European football, going from competition to competition.
"We have not tried to take our eye off anything. But our Premier League form has definitely taken a hit.
"We should have taken points from Everton. All we can do is put the wrongs right and get individual players back to their best levels - a lot weren't close against Everton."
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