Anthony Gordon Shines in Champions League as Newcastle Defeats Benfica

Anthony Gordon Shines in Champions League as Newcastle Defeats Benfica

Anthony Gordon Shines in Champions League as Newcastle Defeats Benfica

Jose Mourinho had three simple words for Anthony Gordon: "You're too much." This was the Benfica manager's remark to the Newcastle United forward as they embraced at full-time at St James' Park on Tuesday.

Mourinho had just witnessed Gordon score the opening goal and assist substitute Harvey Barnes for the second in a commanding 3-0 victory in the Champions League. This match marked a historic moment for Gordon, who became the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League games.

It was also a night where the man of the match showcased his talent on Europe's grandest stage. "It brings the best out of me," Gordon expressed. "The biggest games make me feel alive. I love playing at this level. It’s where I wanted to play as a kid, so I’m living the dream."

The challenge now for Gordon and Newcastle is to maintain this level of performance in their upcoming home game against Fulham, especially as the Premier League has presented a different narrative in the early months of the season.

Different Competitions and Different Records

Gordon has consistently been a standout performer in crucial matches for Newcastle. A couple of seasons ago, he became only the second player, alongside Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, to score against Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United in a single Premier League campaign.

Last year, five of the nine goals he scored across all competitions came against top teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Arsenal. It is perhaps no surprise that he has thrived in the Champions League.

Gordon currently ranks joint first for combined goals and assists (five), joint third for goals (four), and tied for fourth for fouls won (eight) among all players in the competition. His shot conversion rate (50%) and expected goals (xG) of 2.73 in the Champions League this season have been superior to his Premier League performance.

Conversely, according to Opta, he has created significantly more chances in the Premier League (five), completed more dribbles (10), won more fouls (nine), taken more shots (13), and had more touches in the opposition box (18). However, he has yet to score or provide an assist in the Premier League despite participating in two additional matches.

Gordon humorously noted that it might help to play with the Champions League ball in domestic matches, a sentiment that could apply to some of his teammates as well. Although Newcastle has scored eight goals in Europe this season, they have managed only seven goals in eight Premier League games, placing them among the lowest-scoring teams in the league.

When asked about the discrepancy, Gordon admitted, "I haven't got an answer for that - I wish I did. I've just got to take it game by game and approach every game the same. I don’t know what’s different."

‘Very Few Who Can Do What He Can’

Gordon is eager to find solutions following a challenging period in his career. He missed last season's Carabao Cup final due to suspension after a reckless red card against Brighton, while Newcastle went on to win their first major domestic trophy in 70 years without him on the pitch.

After suffering a thigh injury while on international duty, Gordon watched as fellow winger Harvey Barnes excelled during his absence. He returned to pre-season with determination, especially in a World Cup year, and stepped up in the absence of former teammate Alexander Isak, who was attempting to secure a move to Liverpool.

However, his eagerness to impress led to a red card for a late tackle against Liverpool in August, resulting in another three-game suspension in the Premier League. Yet, it is important to remember that Gordon is still only 24 years old.

He has already become a favorite of England manager Thomas Tuchel, thanks to the aggression and intensity he brings to his game. The challenge now is for him to deliver consistently.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated, "I think there’s more to come from him. He looked in a really good place on Tuesday. He was direct, full of running. He produced an assist and a goal, and I was really pleased with his performance. The challenge for him and all the players is to produce it on a consistent basis because if he can, there are very few who can do what he can."

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