Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon admits he was surprised by Ezri Konsa’s decision to foul him during Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa.
Gordon started as Newcastle United’s striker against Villa, with Alexander Isak still not involved amid serious doubts about his future on Tyneside.
Clearly, it’s not an ideal situation for Newcastle, but Eddie Howe was impressed with Gordon’s performance.
The 24-year-old should have scored with a header but wasn’t alone in wasting chances. Debutant Anthony Elanga should also have opened the scoring when he went through on goal early.
Gordon enjoyed playing up-front for Newcastle and, to their credit, he and Elanga linked up in the build-up to Konsa’s red card.
Elanga played a fine through ball for Gordon as Newcastle countered. The England star was moving ahead of Konsa towards the Villa goal, but was brought down by the defender.
Konsa was duly sent off and Gordon admitted he was somewhat surprised by his international teammate’s decision.
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa fouls Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon surprised by Ezri Konsa
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after the game, Gordon expressed his surprise that Konsa brought him down.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Having operated alongside the 27-year-old for the Three Lions, the Newcastle forward admitted he thought Konsa could actually end up catching him.
Even if he didn’t, Gordon suggested it would have been better for Villa to allow him a chance at goal rather than losing a player to a red card.
“I don’t understand it from a defender’s point of view,” he said.
“Ez is my mate actually, so it’s quite funny but if I’m a defender I’d probably rather let them score than get a red card.
“Because then you stay on the pitch and you’ve still got that chance. And he [Konsa] is quite quick, so he could have actually caught up to me.
“But he took a decision and there was nothing I could do.”
Anthony Gordon can cause Liverpool problems in new role
In a perfect world, either Isak or a new signing would start up front for Newcastle in Monday’s huge game against Liverpool.
At this stage, however, that looks unlikely.
Starting Gordon up front against the champions is something of a concern but he can take heart from Liverpool’s opening performance.
Arne Slot’s side look very dangerous up front but Bournemouth did expose some defensive frailties.
Though the sample size is obviously small, there does look like there will be some space for the likes of Gordon and Elanga to attack against Liverpool.
Gordon is happy at Newcastle again after a testing summer in 2024. A goal in what promises to be a huge game next week would be most welcome.