Anthony Gordon’s Substitution: Eddie Howe Insists There’s No Issue
Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United manager, has dismissed any suggestion of a rift between him and Anthony Gordon after the midfielder was visibly unhappy following his substitution during the game against Brentford. The 22-year-old was brought off the bench at half-time with Newcastle trailing against the Bees. However, by the time Howe brought Gordon off again to waste time, Newcastle were 2-1 up with just a few minutes remaining. Despite the Toon’s advantage, Gordon was clearly unhappy at his removal for Matt Ritchie.
It appeared to get visibly heated on the touchline as Gordon took issue with being subbed off, but Howe consoled the star at full-time, and the midfielder could later be seen smiling widely in a squad photo, suggesting any issues had been solved. Speaking after the huge win, Howe said he had “no problem” with Gordon but added that he needs to “control his emotions in that moment.”
The Newcastle boss is also quoted in other interviews as saying that he picked the former Everton man to come off after as he was holding his ankle and Howe wanted to get an experienced player on. It was otherwise a great away trip for Howe’s side who became only the second visiting side to win at the Gtech in the Premier League this season.
Ivan Toney converted from the spot having missed an earlier penalty to give Brentford the lead. But an own goal from David Raya and a strike just after the hour mark from Alexander Isak gave Newcastle a big three points in the race to get into the Champions League. Top four rivals Manchester United and Tottenham also registered victories as the fight heats up. Newcastle and the Red Devils are now locked on 56 points with Spurs three behind.
In conclusion, it appears that there is no issue between Eddie Howe and Anthony Gordon following the midfielder’s substitution during the game against Brentford. Although Gordon was visibly unhappy, Howe consoled him at full-time, and the midfielder could later be seen smiling widely in a squad photo, suggesting any issues had been resolved. Howe has stated that he has “no problem” with Gordon but added that he needs to “control his emotions in that moment.” Newcastle’s win against Brentford was a great away trip for Howe’s side, who became only the second visiting side to win at the Gtech in the Premier League this season.