Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has come under fresh scrutiny from pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher following a subdued performance in the Magpies' defeat to Manchester United.
Carragher's Analysis of a Stalled Career
The former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, offered his perspective on the 24-year-old England international's challenging campaign. Carragher suggested that Gordon appeared poised to become one of the league's elite wingers 18 months ago but has since failed to build on that promise.
"I think 18 months ago, Anthony Gordon was looking as good as any left winger in the Premier League at that stage," Carragher said. He pointed to a potential factor in the player's stagnation, noting, "He was very close to moving on when Newcastle had PSR issues to Liverpool. Whether that has affected him... he's never quite got to those heights."
The statistics underline his domestic struggles. In 12 Premier League appearances this season, Gordon has found the net only twice. This modest return mirrors Newcastle's own difficulties, with Eddie Howe's side languishing in the bottom half and six points adrift of the Champions League places.
European Form Contrasts with Domestic Woes
Interestingly, Gordon's output in European competition paints a very different picture. He has been a standout performer on the continental stage, contributing five goals and two assists in just six appearances. This stark contrast between his European and domestic form has become a defining feature of his season.
Manager Eddie Howe recently challenged the player to find consistency, specifically urging him to replicate his influential display against Chelsea. In that 2-2 draw, Gordon provided an assist and was a constant menace. "That is the challenge," Howe stated. "I thought it was one of Anthony’s best games this season... The challenge for Anth is to try and replicate that performance on a consistent basis."
Neville's Scathing Old Trafford Assessment
However, that consistency was absent at Old Trafford. Gordon's quiet display formed part of a broader pattern for Newcastle, who have managed just one win in their first nine Premier League away games.
Gary Neville did not hold back in his criticism during Sky Sports' commentary. He argued that Gordon's positioning nullified his greatest strengths. "This is a perfect example of Gordon, too wide, too deep. Playing like a holding midfielder," Neville remarked.
He added pointedly, "Nowhere near he needs to be to score goals and impact the match. If I was a right back playing against him I'd be very happy with him out there."
The combined analysis from two of English football's most prominent pundits highlights the significant pressure now on Anthony Gordon. With his club in need of a spark to revive their league campaign, the winger must bridge the gap between his occasional flashes of brilliance and the week-in, week-out productivity required of a top-flight star.
