Premier League legend Ian Wright was full of praise for the performance of Anthony Gordon during Newcastle United’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day (4 March, 10.30pm).
Successive 2-0 defeats to both clubs from either side of the Manchester divide; Newcastle fans have certainly had better weeks.
But, despite the disappointment of another loss and another game without a goal, it was still a performance with many a positive moment. Newcastle, like against Liverpool recently even after Nick Pope’s early red card, created a host of presentable opportunities, even if their failure to take them is becoming a growing concern.
Gordon, meanwhile, produced his most effective display since that £45 million January arrival from Everton.
“Newcastle’s chances were excellent chances,” says Wright, the former Arsenal poacher. “And I thought they did very, very well to make them. When you’re playing against City, you’re not going to get a lot of chances to do that.
“I thought that Gordon started very, very well. He was really good in moving off the ball. He got involved a lot.”
Anthony Gordon impresses even as Newcastle United lose to Man City
Former England international Danny Murphy was similarly optimistic, agreeing with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe that no one on Tyneside should be getting too concerned even as a dip threatens to become something a little more severe.
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“I agree with what Eddie Howe said,” Murphy explains. “They played really well. So nothing to worry about.”
Newcastle have now failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions, including last week’s Wembley reverse at the hands of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. Former goalkeeper Shay Given, however, believes Newcastle have made an excellent long-term acquisition in Gordon, highlighting the 22-year-old’s energy and work-ethic.
“I think he (Gordon) is going to have a big future at the football club,” Given tells Premier League Productions. “I don’t think it’s a surprise that he starts. (Allan) Saint-Maximin, we know offensively he is good, but defensively, there are huge question marks of Saint-Maximin. Can he defend?
“But I think Anthony Gordon will give you a bit of both. He has a fiery side to him. We have seen some of his tackles. It’s something you can’t coach in a kid.
“He’s got that will to win. I think, under Eddie Howe, he has got a brilliant manager who can get something out of him.”
In other news, Chris Sutton predicts who’ll win Liverpool vs Manchester United
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