Anthony Gordon has always been a player who thrives on turning setbacks into motivation.
This summer, he told me in Seoul that he needs something to go wrong to come back stronger.
“I need to make it personal with myself,” he said.
For Newcastle fans, those words may now feel particularly relevant after a difficult stretch in the Premier League.
A Premier League Struggle
After 19 Premier League games without a goal or assist, Gordon’s confidence and form have been under scrutiny.
Being substituted at half-time against West Ham on Sunday, while painful, might be exactly the kind of wake-up call he needed.
Eddie Howe admitted he could have taken off any player in that poor performance, yet he chose Gordon, the England international, emphasizing the challenge ahead.
At his best, Gordon is a force of energy, pace, and precision, but those moments in the Premier League have been few and far between.
His last goal came against Wolves in mid-January, with his last assist just 10 days later at Southampton.
Howe acknowledged the issue: “He hasn’t quite hit that form in the Premier League, and that’s his challenge.”
Champions League and International Bright Spots
Despite Premier League struggles, Gordon has shone on other stages.
Only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe have outscored him in the Champions League this season, and he also delivered a goal and man-of-the-match performance for England against Latvia.
But the standard of competition in the Premier League presents a tougher, more consistent test.
A goal against Athletic Bilbao or Benfica, while impressive, cannot mask his league form if he struggles against sides like Brentford.
Mixed Performances and Team Impact
In Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham, Gordon’s influence on the pitch was limited.
Two unsuccessful dribbles and three failed crosses highlighted his struggles, even if he contributed to Jacob Murphy’s goal.
Yet, there is no panic at the club. Gordon remains in a good place mentally, even managing a hip complaint with physiotherapy.
Across all competitions, five goals from 14 starts for club and country is a respectable tally, but translating that into Premier League productivity is essential.
Adapting to a New Role
Gordon’s season began in an unfamiliar position as an emergency striker following Alexander Isak’s departure.
While tireless and disruptive, his natural game as a winger was missed.
Early-season red cards and injury interruptions also disrupted his rhythm.
Still, Howe has consistently picked him when available, a sign that his commitment and sharpness in training remain high.
Gordon’s recent Champions League display against Benfica, featuring a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win, was hailed internally as one of his strongest performances for Newcastle.
Motivation and Mental Resilience
For Gordon, the motivation extends beyond club success.
Being a starter for England remains a key driver, with Thomas Tuchel likely to pick him on the left if the World Cup started tomorrow.
He has also had open conversations with Howe about inconsistency and personal focus, acknowledging challenges last season when rumors of a Liverpool move unsettled him.
“I thought I was going to leave in the summer window,” Gordon admitted.
“It didn’t happen, and I had to get my head around that. I’m a human being—it was really difficult.”
Replicating Big-Stage Performances
The real test now is translating Champions League brilliance into consistent Premier League performances.
Newcastle’s eight-match winless streak away from home is a reminder that big-game energy must be replicated on the road.
Team-mate Dan Burn emphasized the importance:
“It’s about replicating those performances away. It’s very easy to get up for Champions League nights, but Brentford is the type of game where you really need to earn your money and perform.”
Time to Make It Personal
For a player of Gordon’s talent, it’s time to make it personal and rise to the challenge in England’s top flight.
His potential is undeniable, but the numbers in the Premier League need to reflect the promise he shows in training, international matches, and European nights.
Newcastle fans, and Gordon himself, will be hoping the light comes back on consistently where it matters most.