‘As long as’ - Harvey Barnes answers Anthony Gordon question amid Newcastle United ‘frustration’
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Newcastle United latest news: Harvey Barnes has waded into the debate surrounding him and Anthony Gordon and who should play on the left-wing.
Harvey Barnes was Newcastle United’s saviour on Wednesday night as his 102nd minute goal stole three points for Eddie Howe’s side against Leeds United.
Barnes played the full game at St James’ Park in a rare 90 minute (and the rest) outing for the former Leicester City man. Barnes was one of two changes named in Howe’s starting XI with Nick Woltemade also coming into the team in place of Yoane Wissa.
Barnes was deployed on the right wing in place of Jacob Murphy against Daniel Farke’s side, with Anthony Gordon on the opposite flank supporting Woltemade through the middle. Seeing Barnes on the right of the front three was not a surprise, though, following an admission by Howe during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday morning.
Asked why Gordon tends to play on the left with Barnes moved to the right, despite the underlying statistics and numbers suggesting that the former performs better in that role, Howe responded: “I don’t think Anthony enjoys the right, but Harvey is more open to it and enjoys the freedom there.
“That’s why. It doesn’t mean I can’t, but if a player doesn’t want to play there you can’t really force them to as you won’t get the same level of performances.”
Harvey Barnes answers Anthony Gordon & Newcastle United dilemma
Barnes’ match winning goal on Wednesday night once again came with him playing on the left. Gordon had earlier been replaced by Jacob Murphy, which forced Howe into a reshuffle of his front three.
Barnes was, unsurprisingly, put up in front of the media following those heroics and was asked by Newcastle World for his view on having to play on the right. Barnes responded: “For me, that's not a real concern.
“I don't pick the team. I don't choose where people play.
“I've been out of the team for the last few weeks, so for me it's just been about when I do get an opportunity, like tonight, taking it and making sure whether I'm on the right, whether I'm on the left. I'll do a job and I feel like I'll always find myself in goal-scoring opportunities.
“I was on the right for a lot and scored there and went over to the left later on. I scored from the left, from the six-yard box, but I know I can affect the game as long as I'm on the pitch.
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“Of course, as a player, you want to play every game,” Barnes added. “You want to really go and kick on. Like I said, I've been out of the team for the last few weeks and that was disappointing, missing big games which I was disappointed to miss out on.
“When I have played this year, I've taken my chances and done well. I'll just continue to do that and hopefully kick on, keep scoring important goals for the club and really push us forward.
“Whether that's left, right, middle, I don't know. It doesn't really affect me. As long as I'm on the pitch, I can affect the game.”