Gordon's Goal Drought: Newcastle's Big Decision Looms

Newcastle United faces a critical juncture concerning forward Anthony Gordon, whose form has been a subject of debate among fans and commentators. Despite being a key player for the national team heading into the 2026 World Cup, Gordon has struggled for consistent league goals, with his last open-play Premier League strike occurring over a year ago. This has led to criticism, with some arguing he is predictable and less effective than teammate Harvey Barnes.

Harvey Barnes has enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 12 goals from open play across all competitions with diverse finishing. The dilemma for manager Eddie Howe is that both Barnes and Gordon prefer playing on the left wing. Barnes, however, has shown more willingness to adapt to the right flank. This positional issue has contributed to an unbalanced attack for Newcastle.

Adding to the situation, Anthony Gordon is currently unavailable for selection due to a hamstring injury sustained at the Etihad. This injury, which forced him off during a Carabao Cup semi-final defeat, means he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming match against Brentford. Gordon's absence may pave the way for Barnes to secure a start in his preferred position.