His post-derby verdict may have been honest, but Anthony Gordon’s comments overlooked the reality of Sunderland’s rise and Newcastle’s own shortcomings
Anthony Gordon’s comments were striking because they were honest. In a landscape of safe, media-trained soundbites, it was almost refreshing to hear a player say what he actually felt. But that does not make him right.
“The frustrating thing is, in my opinion, they're not a very good team compared to us. We shouldn't lose to them,” he said. That line, more than anything, jarred. Not because of the frustration behind it - that is understandable after a derby defeat - but because of what it revealed. It smacked of arrogance. Of entitlement. Of a belief that Newcastle simply have to turn up to beat Sunderland because, on paper, they are better. Football does not work like that. It never has.
Sunderland are above Newcastle United in the Premier League table as a newly promoted side with fewer resources. They have beaten them twice this season. That is not luck, or variance, or a one-off. Over 31 games, the table tells the truth. Sunderland have been better. There is context. Newcastle have had Europe, a deep Carabao Cup run, and the physical toll that comes with multiple competitions. But if Gordon wants to be the player he clearly believes he can be, then that is the level. Managing three-game weeks, dealing with fatigue, delivering regardless - those are not caveats, they are the job.
And there is a wider point about responsibility. Gordon spoke to club media, but Newcastle’s players did not front up to the written press after the game at St James’s Park. If you are going to offer strong opinions, they should be delivered fully, not selectively. You cannot pick your moment to speak and disappear when the wider questions come. Sometimes, particularly in a derby, you have to be humble in defeat. Losing twice in a season demands reflection, not a dismissal of the opponent.
None of this is to diminish Gordon as a player. He is an excellent Premier League winger. His goal was sharp, instinctive, and he was Newcastle’s most dangerous attacker early on. But he also missed two good chances, blazing over when the game was there to be put beyond Sunderland. If you are going to question the opposition, you also have to look closely at your own contribution.
And to be fair to him, he did touch on part of the problem. He hinted at the issues in Newcastle’s approach - too direct, too quick to go long against a Sunderland side set in a low block, rather than using midfield where there was space to play. That is a valid criticism. It is probably the right one. But that is the point. Those are Newcastle problems. They do not make Sunderland a “not very good team”. They make Newcastle a side that failed to solve what was in front of them - twice.
Brian Clough said football is not played on paper. It is a line that fits here. Gordon may believe Newcastle are better. Some supporters will feel the same. But belief without delivery counts for very little. There are ways to lose a derby. Gordon showed what not to do.
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