Eddie Howe's spiky response to Anthony Gordon question - Newcastle United fans won't agree
Marseille 2-1 Newcastle United: Anthony Gordon returned to the starting line-up in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Eddie Howe named Anthony Gordon up front for Newcastle United as they were beaten 2-1 at Marseille in the Champions League.
Gordon had missed Newcastle’s previous two matches as well as international duty with England due to a hip injury but returned straight to the starting line-up at Stade Velodrome.
It was a change teased by Howe ahead of the match, along with the prospect of him playing up front in place of Nick Woltemade.
Eddie Howe teased Anthony Gordon change
“Yeah, I think all options are available to us,” Howe discussed when looking at the prospect of Gordon playing up font again. “It's great to have Anthony back with us. He has worked hard in the break.
“He had a minor injury. I don't think it was a serious injury, but it was enough to keep him out.
“Especially with explosive players, you've got to be really careful with muscle injuries that doesn't become a longer-term problem. But he's done the work, he's fully fit.
“And, yeah, we have the ability to use him in different positions.”
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With Yoane Wissa and William Osula out injured, Gordon was Newcastle’s only alternative striker option for the game as Howe opted to rest Woltemade ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Everton.
But it ended up being a frustrating evening all around for Newcastle’s attack after Harvey Barnes gave the side an early lead. Gordon squandered a few opportunities and saw an effort saved before being replaced by Woltemade for the closing stages.
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Following the match, Howe was asked why Newcastle didn’t start the game ‘with a striker’.
The Magpies boss bluntly responded in reference to Gordon: “We had a striker on the pitch here.”
But when pressed on why Woltemade didn’t start, Howe added: “To rest and rotate Nick because physically he's giving a lot.
“To make sure he's already fit and available, established on the line and we have to be very careful with his load. Also, when he plays, I want him fresh and able to give his very best.
“He's had a really intense period. He did well when he came on though, I thought he helped our performance.”