Anthony Gordon’s Newcastle Struggles Highlighted, but January Window Offers Potential Solution

Anthony Gordon: Newcastle’s Versatile Gem in Search of Stability

Eddie Howe recognizes the value of having a versatile talent like Anthony Gordon in Newcastle United’s squad.

Whether deployed on the left, right, or through the middle, the former Everton star has been a reliable option across the front three.

During Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, Gordon was moved into a central striker role after Alexander Isak was forced off in the 22nd minute. Harvey Barnes came on to occupy the right flank.

Howe explained his decision post-match: “I decided to put Anthony Gordon up there, and he’s done a really good job for us in that position previously.

He did well, and the lack of goalscoring opportunities isn’t on him; it’s on the team. We need to do better.”

This adaptability is not new for Gordon, who has been used in various roles throughout the season.

Against Palace, the natural left-winger started on the right before moving centrally. In the West Ham game, he began on the left but briefly shifted into a No. 10 role.

Before the international break, Gordon switched from the right to the left mid-game in Newcastle’s win at Nottingham Forest.

Wins over Arsenal and Chelsea saw him feature on the right alongside Tino Livramento, while he played as a central striker in the goalless draw against Brighton and against his former club, Everton.

Some critics argue Gordon has underperformed at times this season, but his constant positional changes may be a contributing factor.

The lack of consistency has made it challenging for him to replicate the form he showed last season, when he thrived with a regular run on the left.

Newcastle’s summer transfer window struggles have compounded the issue.

Failing to secure a right-sided attacker has forced Howe to experiment with five different players in that position.

This lack of stability has hindered Gordon, who may benefit from returning to a fixed role on the left.

Looking ahead to the January transfer window, Newcastle are eager to bolster their attacking options.

However, financial constraints tied to profit and sustainability rules mean the club must sell players before making purchases.

Signing a right-sided attacker could relieve the pressure on Gordon but may be difficult to achieve.

When asked about acquiring a new striker to address the team’s goal-scoring issues, Howe admitted: “Fully-fit Premier League strikers who can score goals will cost us an extortionate amount of money that we don’t have. We’ve got to back the players we have.

I know they can score and create, and I have no issue with their quality.”

Despite the challenges, Gordon remains committed to helping the team wherever he’s needed.

However, there’s a growing sense that the England international needs to return to his favored left-wing position to unlock his full potential once again.