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Anthony Gordon was front and centre of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup celebrations - but was, of course, missing for the final at Wembley.
When Anthony Gordon pushed out at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul van Hecke on March 2, there is little doubt he had no intention of doing the FA Cup rival any harm.
With his first club trip to Wembley just a matter of 14 days away, Gordon, who was ineligible for the final defeat to Manchester United in 2023, has everything to look forward to. And he wouldn’t want to jeopardise that, right? Well, tempers can flare in the heat of battle, and while the intent to hurt was not there, the referee saw the push to the head as violent conduct. Three games. No dream Wembley appearance. It was the sidelines again for the former Everton man, against boyhood heroes Liverpool.
Gordon was tipped to light up the left on March 16, but instead had to save his best moves for the lightening quick trademark burst from the benches as John Brooks blew time on Newcastle United’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. It was a moment he says he savours, but admits it took some time to get over the disappointment of not walking out with his black and white brothers-in-arms.
Speaking of the final, he said: “It was unbelievable. It was very difficult for me, watching on, especially the start of the game, watching the lads walking out and stuff. I was just imagining myself starting the game. But once the game started, to be honest, that feeling left me. I just became like a normal fan, like the rest of us. Once the whistle went, it was the best feeling I've had in football. The euphoria of running on the pitch, with the lads, was unbelievable.”
Gordon may have been peripheral figure as the competition came to a rewarding close - this was his first medal in senior football - but he was key to Newcastle getting there, especially as his two goals in the two-legged semi-final saw the Magpies come out on top against the odds. See a theme here? Gordon was also front and centre in the victory parade, that attracted around 300,000 people to the streets and fields of the city, to celebrate the players’ collective achievement.
“It was very special. Something that none of us have ever seen before. Even lads in the team who may have won things won't have seen anything like that.,” said the England international told the club’s media team. “The atmosphere, the amount of people, how loud they were, the whole way. People were even following the bus from where we first started, so yeah, it was very special.vI can't express how happy I am. Like, I said in my first interview, or one of my first interviews, that it was my goal to come here and win silverware - to take that next step. And I've done that. To set out with a goal and achieve it, is everything as a footballer.”
Anthony Gordon stats: the winger’s season so far
Gordon has been on fire for the Magpies for the last two season, posting career-best stats.
The player has, across 34 games in three competitions, scored nine goals. He’s also got seven assists, too.
Last season, Gordon recorded stats of 12 goals and 11 assists across 48 games. All bar one of those goals and assists came in the Premier League.
When can Anthony Gordon next play for Newcastle United?
Gordon was served a three-game ban for his red card in the game against Brighton, and due to a lack of domestic matches, given the international break, the recently-turned 24-year-old hasn’t kicked a ball for the Magpies for nearly a month. And it’ll be a whole lot longer by the time he does. Gordon was banned for the win at West Ham United in the Premier League, then the Carabao Cup victory over the Reds. He will also be unavailable for Eddie Howe for the upcoming clash with Brentford at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
Gordon will become available, however, for the clash with Leicester City on Monday, April 7. Well, that’s if an injury to his hip, picked up on England duty, doesn’t keep him out.
What fans are saying about Anthony Gordon’s Newcastle United reaction?
The interview was conducted by the media staff at Newcastle United and posted to the club’s Instagram account. And fans were really quick to share their thoughts on the player’s words.
chippy_uk: We wouldn’t be in a final or the winners without Anthony and others who didn’t get to play the final. Be proud and wear the medal with pride. You deserve it, thank you. 🖤🤍
david_manos_venus: Lovely lad. Big heart. ❤️❤️❤️
newcastle_supporter_bhutan: Magic team I’m so proud of you all you’ve done amazingly great for all the fans of fantastic team keep doing what your doing love you all proud that I’m a Geordie.
ataylor1892: Just love you Anthony lad ❤️❤️❤️🖤🤍🏆
awp898989: Played a huge part in the semi final 🖤🤍
eilis_7: To see you all out there with. the cup was the greatest thing I have seen in a long time. A well deserved Victory. You are a brilliant team.
eileenodonovanrobinson: Still my favourite player.
daverrobinson: Turned out to be a great player.
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