In January 2023, Newcastle were looking to strengthen the squad, but unlike some other previous transfer windows, they were not desperate. They had Alan Saint Maiximin and Miguel Almiron on the wings, they were still not playing Europe and Joelington and Joseph Murphy were covers in those positions. But coach Eddie Howe wanted an upgrade and was already looking towards June, when suddenly, their future target was available now. Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a bust-up with fans, which is the worst possible scenario for every footballer, let alone the best player in a boyhood club – Everton. After a 2-1 loss to Southampton, their fifth in six games, angry fans road blocked Liverpool born forward Gordon in the street and demanded from him and his teammates to show passion and fight for ‘the shirt’. Fans were then heard telling the 21-year-old ‘get out of our club’ and ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’ as he remained in his car unable to move.And to think how Everton fans treated him back in January. Brilliant player #EFC pic.twitter.com/5cQK4cd2VS— Joe (@JBDT60) December 5, 2023 15 days later, he became a Newcastle player for 45 million pounds. Since then, Allan Saint Maximin was sold to Saudi Arabia, Joelington was moved to midfield and Harvey Barnes got injured, so Anthony Gordon became the undisputed (and only) starter on the left wing. When all other Newcastle players got injured, his stamina proved to be an asset. He played in every game, and even was the striker when the Magpies lost both of their forwards to injuries (Isak, Willson). And he didn’t took things for granted, he excelled and is playing so good, that all pundits agree he must get a call from Gareth Southgate for the England squad.”He’s deserving of making the next step!” 👏”I’d take Rashford out of the England squad.” 👀Martin Keown reveals he would replace Marcus Rashford with Anthony Gordon for England. pic.twitter.com/gnpOdffZvk— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 29, 2023 While at Everton, for whom he played since he was 11, he appeared in 78 games, scored seven and assisted in eight goals, while playing 4575 minutes. So far for the Magpies (less than a year), he played in 36 games, scored seven and assisted in five goals for only 2028 minutes. Cleary, the Newcastle’s Gordon is better than Everton’s Gordon. And he is heading to his boyhood club, this time as a starter. Last season, the Magpies defeated the Toffies 4-1 in Liverpool and Anthony was introduced in the 87th minute, when most of the crowd was already gone, but he was booed anyway.De Gea back in the Premier League?Coach Eddie Howe just wanted him to fell the hostile atmosphere and ‘just deal with it and get it out of the way’. Now, being Newcastle’s best player in recent month, he will start the game and might even score. And the abuse towards him will undoubtable will be bigger.”Anthony has to be prepared for whatever reception he gets and take it, but really just focus on his football. That’s all he can do. If you start thinking about external things that you can’t control then you take your mind off what you need to control. He needs to control all the things that make his performance as good as he can, which he did against Manchester United, and has been doing on a consistent basis lately. It’s great to see him score goals, assist goals and look like he is enjoying his football because if a player is in that frame of mind, they are going to perform better. That’s all he’s got to try and do – just enjoy the game” said Howe.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 15TuesdayWolverhampton – Burnley 1-0 (1-0)/Hwang 42/Luton – Arsenal 3-4 (1-2)/Osho 25, Adebayo 50, Barkley 57 – Martinelli 20, Jesus 45, Havertz 60, Rice 90+7/WednesdayBrighton – Brentford 2-1 (1-1)/Mbeumo 27 pen, Hinshelwood 53 – Gross 31/Fulham – Nott.Forest 5-0 (2-0)/Iwobi 30, 74, Jimenez 34, 55, Cairney 86/Sheffield Utd – Liverpool 0-2 (0-1)/van Dijk 37, Szoboszlai 90+4/Crystal Palace – Bournemouth 0-2 (0-1)/Senesi 25, Moore 90+1/Aston Villa – Man.City 1-0 (0-0)/Bailey 74/Man.Utd. – Chelsea 2-1 (1-1)/McTominay 19, 70 – Palmer 45/Thursday22:30: (3.15) Everton (3.45) Newcastle (2.40)23:15: (1.80) Tottenham (3.90) West Ham (4.70)***odds are subject to change**
