Anthony Gordon has failed to produce the goods against Everton since joining Newcastle United three years ago.
Eddie Howe has backed Anthony Gordon to “blank out” his emotions against Everton this afternoon.
The Toon winger has become somewhat of a pantomime villain for Toffees fans since he joined Newcastle United in January 2023. With no goals or assists in five appearances, Gordon has not enjoyed the best of returns when facing his former club.
A low point was a penalty miss in a goalless draw at Goodison Park last season. Sensing Everton’s reaction to Gordon, Howe left him out of the team for the 4-1 win in November.
Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon
NewcastleWorld asked Howe to explain Gordon’s poor form against Everton and to discuss his state of mind before today’s clash. He responded: “Without going back over old ground, I think it's a new game.
“I think Anthony's been very good in this season, in particular sort of blanking out emotions from previous seasons and just focusing on the future. That's what he'll have to do again. This is obviously a fixture that means a lot to him - you can't deny that. It's his former team who did a lot for him in his career and I think he's very grateful for that.
“But of course, there's a will for him, regardless of the opponent, to do well for Newcastle and for his teammates now. He's in a really good place. The last few weeks I think he's been outstanding for us and my wish for him is that he doesn't think too much and just carries on trying to play the same way.”
Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon rumours
On reports linking Gordon with a summer move, Howe backed his player to focus on a crucial run-in for the Magpies. He said: “Only if you read it, I suppose. There's always, in this sort of age that we're at, there's always rumour and speculation. I don't see probably 90 per cent of it.
Read More
“I'm sure the players probably see more than I do. I think it comes to the territory of being a top player and playing at this level that there's going to be speculation. You've just got to put it out of your brain and you've got to focus on the football because, as we know with our schedule, there's so many games, there's no time for distractions. We have to be fully focused on each match.
“I'm not sure there's a lot I can do about that. I think I've not seen the story, so it's news to me. But we're mid-season. We're in the middle of some of the biggest games of his career, so he's got no time to look left or right.
“He's got to be fully focused on straight ahead and the next game and trying to be as good as he can be. I've been really impressed with him the last few weeks. He's been in a good place, playing in a central position. He's done really well and we want him to continue that good form.”
Continue Reading