Last week, Newcastle fans got excited for all the wrong reasons—or maybe all the right ones.
Anthony Gordon unveiled a fresh haircut, and supporters hoped it might herald something bigger: a return to the sharpness that made him a Premier League star.
After all, his last open-play goal, like his previous trim, was over a year ago.
But at Wolves on Sunday, the scissors had more bite than Gordon did.
The England winger passed his 31st consecutive top-flight game without scoring from open play.
By the 67th minute, he was substituted after failing to register a single shot or touch in the penalty area.
When Talent Meets Frustration
There have been flashes of brilliance from Gordon this season, moments where he’s worked tirelessly without reward.
But Sunday was not one of those. Newcastle needed inspiration, and their attack offered none, resulting in a goalless draw against the division’s lowest-ranked side.
“Nowadays, stats are all that matters it seems, and that’s ruined football a little bit,” Gordon admitted earlier this month, responding to criticism.
“You can play well, do so much for your team, but if you don’t score or assist, you haven’t played well.”
One game—or even a few—can’t tell the full story.
But when a year passes with minimal returns in open play, it’s fair to pause and assess.
Gordon showed his class in 2023-24 with 11 goals and 10 assists, earning Newcastle’s player of the season.
Fans remember that, and now the frustration grows: the winger capable of lifting games has been largely quiet.
The Selection Debate and Wider Context
Some supporters have questioned why Gordon continues to start, pointing to Harvey Barnes, who has 11 goals this campaign and is currently operating out of position on the right.
Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga, by contrast, have barely contributed, highlighting a wider struggle among Howe’s wide men.
Yet there’s a reason Eddie Howe trusts Gordon.
The 24-year-old offers a level of energy, aggression, and tactical understanding unmatched by his peers.
He bridges the gap between key players like Nick Woltemade and Alexander Isak, setting the tone for Newcastle’s attack.
Howe sees it every day in training; Gordon’s inclusion in the starting XI is deliberate, not sentimental.
Confidence and Focus Amid Transfer Rumours
Off the pitch, Gordon’s mindset remains steady.
Sources close to the player insist there are no lingering concerns following last season’s failed Liverpool move.
Reports linking him to Arsenal and Liverpool this January are unfounded.
Gordon is focused on Newcastle and, with the World Cup just five months away, he has every reason to be.
“He wants to play well and score goals, he’s determined to do that every time he plays,” one insider said.
“Confidence might be low, but that can change with one game or one goal.”
The Reality of Performance vs Availability
This season, Gordon has scored eight goals, six from the penalty spot.
While he has been remarkably available—only three teammates have started more games—availability hasn’t always equaled impact.
There have been strong periods, like December’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, but consistency has been lacking.
At his best, Gordon sets the standard for teammates, creating early pressure and forcing opponents out of position.
Lately, though, he’s been more cautious, meandering infield, and failing to produce the invention Newcastle desperately needs.
The intent is there, but the execution often falls short.
The Haircut Isn’t the Whole Story
Gordon’s fresh haircut might look sharp in the mirror, but results on the pitch tell a different story. Newcastle know his ceiling, and so does Howe.
The question now is whether the winger can turn intention into impact and remind everyone why he’s considered one of England’s brightest attacking talents.
Until then, the style might be sharper than the substance.
What’s Next
Newcastle face critical fixtures in the coming weeks, and Gordon’s form could be the difference between points and frustration.
One goal, one moment of brilliance, could change everything—not just for him, but for the team chasing consistency under Howe’s vision.
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