Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak celebrate scoring for Newcastle against Wolves in the Premier League | Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak celebrate scoring for Newcastle against Wolves in the Premier League | Getty Images | Getty Images
It’s set to be as you were for Newcastle United when they take on Liverpool on Monday night.
The 24-year-old led the line during Saturday’s opening day draw at Aston Villa as an alternative to Alexander Isak, who is refusing to play in an attempt to force through a move to the Premier League champions.
Gordon missed an early header to put the Magpies 1-0 up at Villa Park before the home side were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute when Gordon was brought down by Ezri Konsa in on goal.
Anthony Gordon set to continue as striker vs Liverpool
When it was suggested Newcastle missed not having a recognised striker, Howe replied: “I think that's very tough on Anthony, who I thought played really well today. He was a consistent threat, he got the red card because of his pace and his running ability, so there's no slight on him whatsoever. I thought he was very, very good.
“But when you look at the scoreline and you go ‘we drew 0-0’, yeah, goals were the only thing missing.
“We can score goals and we have to score goals in different areas, and we always have that. Whether that's in midfield or wide men, whether that's set plays, so we've got to find a way to add goals to the group.”
Read More
“I don't look at it like that [having no recognised striker], though,” Howe said. “He's played there for us before and he's played very well. He's played there a lot in running as well. He's played the number nine coming on or moving when we made a change in the game, so that's not something totally alien to him.
“He's done it many, many times. He enjoys the role, so that's another big thing. It's not like you're asking him to play there and he's going, ‘I don't really want to do it. I don't enjoy it’. I think everyone likes to be the focal point of the team. And I thought he played well.
“So I don't see there being a negative. Yes, we'd like more strikers to pick from, because that just gives you more decisions and more choices to make, especially in running. But Will [Osula] did well when he came on. That was another good sign. So we're happy to continue as we are.”
Alexander Isak latest
Howe has left the door “well and truly” open for Isak to return to the group, but that is unlikely to happen before Liverpool unless there is a major change of heart.
Speaking about the situation last, Howe said: “No, nothing's changed, but the door is well and truly open. But, yeah, he has to decide what he wants to do.
“We would like a resolution. When I say we, I'm talking about myself and I'm sure the ownership of everyone, including the players that we have, because I think we need that clarity.
“This season, any season, every season is going to be hard enough. You don't need any kind of distraction to swerve your thoughts, to unbalance what we're doing. Yes, but I'm certainly not in control of that. I think there's only one person really that can control it.”
Continue Reading