Anthony Gordon has scored just two Premier League goals this season and has struggled for the Magpies having been linked with a move to Liverpool last year
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has faced criticism from Gary Neville for his performance against Manchester United. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also weighed in on the debate surrounding the England international after a difficult start to the campaign.
The 24-year-old has faced questions over his output in the Premier League for the Magpies after just two goals in 12 appearances. His struggles have coincided with a slow start for Eddie Howe’s side, where they sit in the bottom half of the table, six points off the Champions League places.
But it is in Europe where the attacker has been prolific with five goals and two assists in six appearances.
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However, Carragher has claimed that Gordon could have established himself as one of the best Premier League players, following his standout performances 18 months ago that saw him become top of the class in his position, but a lack of consistency has led to him failing to kick on.
He said: “I think 18 months ago, Anthony Gordon was looking as good as any left winger in the Premier League at that stage and it just hasn’t seemed to happen for him in terms of kicking on in terms of becoming Newcastle ’s best player and one of the best in the Premier League.
“He was very close to moving on when Newcastle has PSR issues to Liverpool. Whether that has affected him… I know he’s a Liverpool fan, even though he came through at Everton but he’s never quite got to those heights. There’s definitely a really special player but we’re talking consistency and that’s the biggest key.”
Prior to the defeat to Manchester United, Howe had set Gordon the challenge of replicating the performance that he turned out against Chelsea.
The winger was a constant threat against the Londoners and, although he was unlucky not to win a penalty following a foul from Trevoh Chalobah, he provided an assist and created two big chances in the 2-2 draw.
Howe said: “That is the challenge. I thought it [vs 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.
“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.”
But it was a frustrating evening at Old Trafford against United and Gordon wasn’t immune from criticism.
The Magpies’ torrid run on the road continued as they have picked up just one win on the road in their first nine Premier League matches.
Gordon wasn’t at his fluid best and struggled to create chances in the first-half, as well as large portions of the second-half.
Neville felt that Gordon’s strengths were harboured during the contest. He said: “This is a perfect example of Gordon, too wide, too deep. Playing like a holding midfielder.
“Too wide, too deep. Nowhere near he needs to be to score goals and impact the match.
“If I was a right back playing against him I’d be very happy with him out there.”
