Anthony Gordon has been heavily criticised for his red card during Newcastle United’s loss against Liverpool, and rightly so.
It was a ridiculous challenge by Gordon on Virgil van Dijk, and the 24-year-old was rightly sent off.
Gordon is now suspended for three games, which is a huge blow for Newcastle United at a time when Eddie Howe is desperately short of striker options.
The England international has been filling in for Alexander Isak amid uncertainty over his future, and has looked promising in the role. That is why it is even more infuriating that he is now suspended.
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Gary Lineker says Anthony Gordon was Newcastle United’s best player before seeing red
That fact is summed up by Gary Lineker’s assessment of Gordon’s performance against Liverpool.
He has praised the Magpies’ number 10, admitting to Alan Shearer on the Rest Is Football podcast that Gordon was actually playing extremely well before his ‘moment of madness’.
Shearer: “It was a stupid challenge by Anthony Gordon.”
Lineker: “It’s the second time he’s done that now. It happened towards the end of last season, didn’t it? A moment of madness. It was a rash challenge. He was actually, I think, probably the best player on the pitch before that. He was flying.”
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When Anthony Gordon is available to play for Newcastle United again
Following his red card, Gordon will now miss Newcastle United’s next three domestic games.
However, he will actually be able to return sooner than expected.
The winger will miss games against Leeds and Wolves, but will then be available again. That is because Newcastle will be starting their Champions League campaign after facing Wolves. As that is a UEFA competition rather than one governed by the FA, Gordon will be available to play.
He will then be suspended again, missing Newcastle’s trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Gordon’s next domestic game for the Magpies will be in the Carabao Cup third round, as they begin the defence of the trophy they won in March. His next Premier League game will be at home to Arsenal on 28th September.
By the time Gordon returns, it is likely that he will be allowed to return to the left wing. Isak’s future will have been sorted out by then, while Newcastle should have bought at least one striker that should allow Gordon to revert back to his preferred position.