Anthony Gordon’s four-goal haul for Newcastle United against Qarabag in the Champions League made history in more ways than one.
Indeed, Gordon became the first Englishman to score four goals in a Champions League knockout game during Newcastle United’s huge 6-1 victory over the Azerbaijani champions.
The England international (11) also overtook Alan Shearer (7) as the club’s highest-ever scorer in the Champions League.
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It was a remarkable night for Eddie Howe’s side, who are almost certain to be in the last-16 of Europe’s major club competition for the first time.
Naturally, Gordon celebrated what was surely the best night of his career. On Instagram, he captioned a photo of himself holding the Player of the Match award and the match ball in either arm: “Historical evening.”
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United poses for a photo with his PlayStation Player of the match award after Newcastle United beat Qarabag.
Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Stars line up to hail Anthony Gordon after Newcastle United masterclass
Gordon has suffered criticism this season but that was some way to answer his doubters.
Following such a brilliant evening, plenty of recognisable names responded to his social media post.
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Shearer responded with clapping emojis. Joe Willock wrote: “Different class … congratulations brother”.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers has played with Gordon for England and he wrote: “My boy” with a fire emoji.
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Split image showing Elliot Anderson playing for Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh playing for Brighton
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UEFA issue statement after Anthony Gordon’s brilliant game against Qarabag
Gordon has been one of the best players in this season’s Champions League, and he is also returning to form in the Premier League too.
Only Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe (11) has scored more than Gordon’s ten goals in the competition thus far.
Gordon will fancy his chances of increasing his tally when Qarabag come to St James’ Park for the second leg on Tuesday.
The Newcastle star was handed the Player of the Match award by UEFA’s technical observer panel, which includes the likes of Sir Gareth Southgate, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rafa Benitez.
In a statement posted on UEFA’s official website, the group said: “He was chosen not only for having scored four goals, but also because of his movement and darting runs behind the Qarabağ defence. He could even have added to his tally were it not for some outstanding saves from the home goalkeeper.”
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