Eddie Howe issues challenge to Anthony Gordon ahead of Newcastle United v Man Utd
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Newcastle United latest news: Eddie Howe has issued a challenge to Anthony Gordon ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Boxing Day.
Eddie Howe has revealed what Anthony Gordon must do to become one of the world’s best players at Newcastle United.
Gordon was one of Newcastle’s best performers at the weekend against Chelsea as he provided an assist for Nick Woltemade’s second goal. That partnership also combined for the German’s first goal, although Gordon wasn’t credited with an assist for that goal as his shot was saved by Robert Sanchez before falling kindly into Woltemade’s path.
That kind of performance, though, has been the exception rather than the rule for Gordon in recent months. Whilst he has had high moments and contributed in big games, the story of Gordon’s 2025 will be one of frustration.
Red cards against Brighton and Liverpool in March and August respectively have clouded his reputation as a ‘big game player’ somewhat - although there is hope that he can rediscover that mantle when 2026 comes around. And at what better venue is there for Gordon to begin that than at Old Trafford?
Premier League wins at Old Trafford for Newcastle United do not come around too often, although this group of players have twice tasted victory at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.
Eddie Howe issues Anthony Gordon challenge
So what does Gordon need to do to turn sporadic brilliant performances into consistent impressive form? Well, Howe might have the answer.
“That is the challenge. I thought it [v Chelsea] was one of Anthony’s best games this season. It started very early on the game when he won the ball back in the build up to our first goal and he is the one getting on the end of Murphy’s cross and Nick ultimately scores but two actions there, one with the tackle and then in the box.
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“That shows Anthony at his very best then he sets up another goal for Nick. So a really productive half for him.
“But it is the same for any player, finding that consistent level of performance where you are hitting very good levels every single game. That is what separates the very best players from the others.
“As we move forward, the challenge for Anth is to try and replicate that performance on a consistent basis.”
Newcastle United head to Old Trafford behind their hosts in the Premier League table, but are in some decent form having lost just one of their last seven games. Of course, that defeat came against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, a loss that ensured their disastrous run of just one away win in the league this season continued.
Asked by the Gazette why their performances away from home this season have failed to match those at St James’ Park, Howe responded: “I'd say we've been inconsistent at times. Our away form early season especially, although we were very good defensively, certainly in terms of our attacking output, we were way below the levels that we know we can.
“I'd say that's steadily improved. You go back to the Everton game, which wasn't so long ago, where we scored four goals and we looked a real threat in the game. We put together there a really good performance.
“Of course, the Sunderland game is a real dip in our recent games. Our one game in seven where, for me, we haven't performed at all.
“So the challenge is to hit those levels that we know we're capable of, home and away. I believe we can do it, and I believe the confidence is returning internally that we can do it. Now we have to show it.”