This is what Anthony Gordon needs from Howe and Newcastle faithful after 'over the top' reaction


As Newcastle United's poor performances finally caught up with the side as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Fulham, focus sharpened on certain individuals and their input into the Magpies' first defeat of the season - and in particular - Anthony Gordon.

The 23-year-old has come under intense scrutiny in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign - in which he has started every game for United and played 422 minutes in that time. Critics have highlighted his body language as cause for concern - and this has been heightened by his performance against Fulham in which he looked far from his best.

There are many reasons to why Gordon is failing to match his stats of last campaign - a lack of minutes for England during the Euros and the apparent interest of Liverpool may well have impacted him in the early weeks of the season.

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But as is often the case, the reaction from some has been over the top. There have been some supporters ready to cash in on Gordon - one even writing on X that they would 'snap the hand off' a club offering £70 million for the winger. To put it bluntly, that is a very silly idea.

Gordon, when focused, is one of the best players in that United squad - a player who you either build your team around or you sell and reinvest for much more than £70 million. 12 goals in all competitions last season, show that Gordon can handle it at the top and can be deadly in-front of goal - and reaffirms his importance to United.

In a season that was often shrouded with frustration and anger, Gordon was the shining light so much so he earned a spot in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euros. Indeed Gordon performed so well that it was not too many weeks ago that he was being talked about being given a new deal to be rewarded for last season's performances.

Five games into the season, he has only return one goal but has looked dangerous in glimpses, even if his body language has stolen the headlines. What Gordon needs is the support not just of Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe but of Toon fans too - those criticising would be best off reminding themselves of the impact Gordon had on last season and the danger he presented to many an opposition full-back.

A few bad games does not make you a bad player, and while asking questions of his attitude is fair, suggesting cashing into a direct rival for a price well under market value is an idea that few can get on board with.

It is perhaps understandable that Gordon is not fully focused after a summer of links to his boyhood club as United looked to get out of the PSR stranglehold. Couple this with the let down of the Euros where Gordon featured for all of five minutes, the former Everton man has undoubtedly been distracted.

There is also the point that United did not sign a big name in the summer, and that Gordon now finds himself far from Howe's number one left winger as Harvey Barnes continues to find the net. Barnes and Gordon are changing wings through games, with Gordon sometimes being played through the middle.

Rightly or wrongly, that inconsistency and uncertainty about his position will cause a degree on uncomfortably for Gordon. It is indeed a test of character for Gordon - and a test of management for Howe but one that the Toon boss has overcome before.

It's rather ironic that when Gordon reacted badly to being subbed off against Brentford the season before last, there more people in his corner than there is now after just a few weeks of below par performances.

But make no mistake, Gordon is key to this Newcastle side - and when he is in full flow and running at centre-backs it is a joy to behold.

Yes, his body language may look a little off. Yes, he may be distracted by things off the field but any talk of selling Gordon is premature - unless it is for silly money, and that is when a new deal comes in, to protect United in a seller's market.

Gordon will come good again at United - and a successful Gordon is a successful Newcastle United.