Anthony Gordon is enjoying playing up front for Newcastle United and sees a future in the role going forward.
Eddie Howe praised Gordon following Newcastle’s 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa in their first game of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
With Alexander Isak in exile, the England international was selected over young strikers William Osula and Sean Neave.
Newcastle haven’t scored from open play with Gordon up front but the forward’s endeavour can hardly be questioned.
The 24-year-old should have scored with a header but he did at least put in a decent performance in a reasonably unfamiliar role, which sets a positive tone for the season ahead.
Indeed, the former Everton star struggled last season following a difficult summer and Newcastle now need him back on track.
Gordon enjoys playing as a striker and suggested he could see himself playing there much more often going forward.
Newcastle United players take a drink during a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon could become a full-time ‘false nine’
Speaking to TNT Sports after the draw at Villa Park, Gordon suggested he could play more centrally as his career progresses.
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“I really like it,” he said. “As my career progresses, I think I might end up more central.”
Hopefully for Newcastle, that doesn’t need to happen this season. Whether it’s Isak or a new signing, the hope will be that Howe has a striker of some description to call upon over the coming months.
Anthony Gordon stats for Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
It can’t have been easy for Gordon at Villa Park. Though it’s brilliant to see him embrace the challenge, not playing in his favoured position obviously isn’t ideal.
Gordon had seven shots against Villa, though only two were on target. He played one key pass and won one aerial duel, while also completing a dribble.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United statistics Anthony Gordon
Shots 7
Shots on target 2
Key passes 1
Dribbles 1
Aerial duels won 1
Anthony Gordon stats vs Aston Villa, data via WhoScored
His work ethic can hardly be doubted. Gordon certainly proved he’s ready to put in a shift this season even in testing circumstances.
It’s no reflection on Gordon that it didn’t work out at Villa. Newcastle desperately need another solution in the immediate term, no matter how Gordon sees his career developing in the years ahead.