Gordon's Four-Goal Masterclass Seals Newcastle's Champions League Progression
Walking into the half-time interval with a commanding 5-0 lead, observers might have anticipated Newcastle United's players exchanging handshakes, high fives, or perhaps some discreet banter at Qarabag's expense as they cruised into the Champions League's last 16. Instead, Anthony Gordon and captain Kieran Trippier were embroiled in a spirited debate over the penalty that had secured Newcastle's fifth goal just seconds before the break.
Gordon's Greedy Streak Proves Decisive in Baku Rout
Gordon had already notched a hat-trick before winning the spot-kick himself, and it appeared Trippier favoured allowing another player to take it—possibly Nick Woltemade, deployed in a midfield role, or alternatives like Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Elanga. Gordon, however, was having none of it. Sure, he already had three goals, but four sounds far superior, and reaching double figures in the Champions League this season would place him second only to Kylian Mbappé in the scoring charts.
The 24-year-old Englishman took the penalty himself, converted for his fourth goal and Newcastle's fifth, demonstrating the smidge of selfishness that strikers often require. Leading the line for Eddie Howe's side in Baku, Azerbaijan, Gordon showcased the greedy mentality expected of front men in crucial matches.
Tuchel's World Cup Striker Dilemma and Gordon's False Nine Credentials
At a time when debate rages over who Thomas Tuchel should select as Harry Kane's deputy striker for this summer's World Cup—with contenders ranging from Ollie Watkins to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Danny Welbeck, and Dominic Solanke—Gordon is hardly making a poor case for himself as a false nine option. Watching from afar, Tuchel would have been particularly impressed by Gordon's opening goal.
That strike arrived after just 123 seconds when Dan Burn received the ball in his own half but drove forward purposefully. He delivered a delicate pass with the outside of his boot for Gordon, who finished accurately first-time into the opposite corner for 1-0. The goal involved masterful movement from Gordon, who glanced over his shoulder to check his defender's position, deliberately pulled Kevin Medina out of position by dropping towards Burn, then spun and sprinted into the box unmarked.
It was an elite opener from Newcastle, with Howe rewarded for packing his frontline with blistering speed. Qarabag—the disruptors of this season's Champions League who held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in Baku and defeated Benfica, Copenhagen, and Eintracht Frankfurt—simply could not keep pace with Newcastle's give-and-go exchanges, especially with Gordon perpetually on the move.
Trippier Dispute Resolved as Goalkeeping Oddities Emerge
It should be noted that Gordon and Trippier shared a hug when the former was substituted after 67 minutes, suggesting their differences over the half-time oranges had been settled. Meanwhile, Newcastle's substitutes' bench featured an unusual sight: three goalkeepers. With Nick Pope starting, Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy, and Aidan Harris were all available, travelling 2,529 miles from Tyneside to Baku—a long journey knowing they would likely go unused.
Pope will be disappointed with conceding Qarabag's lone goal, as Elvin Cafarguliyev simply smashed the ball across goal, and it flew between his body and arm. However, none of Howe's spare goalkeepers were needed, though 18-year-old academy prospect Sean Neave was introduced late on—a nice touch by Howe on an otherwise straightforward evening.
VAR Controversy and Flattering Scoreline Mask Qarabag's Woes
While Premier League fans often complain about VAR usage, Newcastle's third goal stemmed from a contentious penalty that might not have been awarded in England. Barnes' shot was blocked by the arm of Matheus Silva, but mitigating circumstances existed: the defender had dived to get his body in the way, using his arm to break his fall, with his back turned to Barnes. Referee Espen Eskas was sent to his pitch-side monitor and penalised Silva for placing his arm in an unnatural position, allowing Gordon to score for 3-0 via the Champions League's ruthless handball interpretation.
Remarkably, the 6-1 scoreline flattered Qarabag, as Newcastle could have won by many more goals had goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski not regularly resembled a prime Gianluigi Buffon behind a defence reminiscent of the Keystone Cops. Without Kochalski's heroics, it could easily have been 10-1; Gordon and Barnes both failed to beat the stopper after breaking through, while Kochalski produced a remarkable double save to deny Burn and William Osula late on. He conceded six goals yet, bizarrely, emerged as Qarabag's best player, far less generous than his team-mates.
Howe's Cautious Post-Match Comments Despite Dominance
Eddie Howe remained respectful towards Qarabag in his post-match comments, though he is unlikely to fool many with his insistence that the tie remains alive. 'We know the tie is not dead or over,' Howe asserted. 'We've got to be professional in every moment. We know how football can change.' Despite this caution, Newcastle's extended stay in Europe is assured after a demolition job that highlighted Gordon's rising star and the team's clinical efficiency.
