Anthony Gordon’s frustration at the Amex Stadium told its own story. The Newcastle United winger, who had recently returned from international duty with England, looked furious as he walked off the pitch after being substituted during the 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
It was a small moment that television cameras didn’t fully capture but it revealed plenty about his hunger, passion, and desire to make a difference for his team.
Having scored for England in their 5-0 win over Latvia, Gordon returned to club duty full of confidence and purpose.
From the opening whistle, he played with intensity, driving down the flank and taking on defenders with his usual mix of pace and directness. Newcastle, however, struggled to turn that energy into clear chances, and as the second half wore on, their momentum began to fade.
Then, with just 20 minutes remaining, Eddie Howe made the bold decision to substitute Gordon a call that visibly frustrated the young forward.
As the fans applauded the travelling supporters, Gordon walked off alone, clearly deep in thought and visibly irritated. It wasn’t anger directed at anyone in particular, but rather the frustration of a player who felt he still had more to offer.
His reaction wasn’t one of petulance; it was the kind of seething determination managers secretly love to see. He wanted to stay on, to influence the outcome, to help his side find a way back into the match.
Ironically, not long after his withdrawal, Newcastle equalised. On the opposite wing from where Gordon had been operating, 19-year-old Lewis Miley made an immediate impact.
The teenager, who replaced Joelinton at half-time, delivered a perfectly timed cross for Nick Woltemade to flick home and bring Newcastle level. It felt like a moment that could change the game.
Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived. Brighton struck again through Danny Welbeck late on, punishing Newcastle’s failure to take control when they had the chance.
From the bench, Gordon could only watch as the game slipped away. His frustration grew deeper not because of his substitution alone, but because of what the defeat represented. Newcastle once again failed to hold their ground in a match that was well within reach.
Despite the result, Gordon’s individual display offered encouragement. He was lively throughout his 70 minutes, registering 50 touches and even managing a shot on goal. His direct play caused problems for Brighton’s defence, though Newcastle couldn’t convert his efforts into end product.
Howe’s decision to take him off was likely driven by the need to preserve freshness ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica a match that will demand every ounce of energy from the squad.
If there was one takeaway from Gordon’s reaction, it’s that he cares deeply about winning. In the modern game, managers often speak about wanting players who hurt after defeats players who can’t accept mediocrity.
Gordon’s seething walk off the pitch showed he fits that mould perfectly. His hunger and emotional investment in results make him a player built for Newcastle’s ambitions under Howe.
Meanwhile, Lewis Miley’s performance was one of the brightest spots in an otherwise disappointing afternoon. Coming on at half-time, the 19-year-old midfielder injected much-needed energy and creativity into the side.
In just 45 minutes, he made 40 touches and completed 35 passes, showing maturity beyond his years. His assist for Woltemade’s goal underlined his composure and awareness, earning him praise from fans and pundits alike.
With a busy schedule ahead, Miley’s growing influence could earn him a more prominent role in Howe’s plans, especially as Newcastle’s midfield continues to look fatigued.
That midfield exhaustion was clear against Brighton. Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton all returning from international duty struggled to impose themselves.
The trio’s heavy travel schedule for Italy and Brazil seemed to take its toll, and they couldn’t provide the intensity or control Howe’s system demands.
The manager didn’t shy away from admitting it after the game, acknowledging that his engine room simply didn’t function properly on the day.
“They are brilliant players,” Howe said, “but they didn’t function well today and I don’t think the team did either.” His honesty reflected the frustration of seeing a talented squad fall short once again.
Newcastle’s defeat also followed a frustrating pattern that has emerged this season losing games late when they had at least a point within reach.
Just as they had against Liverpool, when a stoppage-time goal turned a draw into a loss, and against Arsenal, where another late blow cost them valuable points, the Magpies once again let their grip slip at the worst possible moment.
Howe explained that his side was chasing victory rather than settling for a draw. “It’s a big moment,” he said. “We were chasing the winner because we felt we were the better team in that phase of the game.
We want to win matches.” That ambition is admirable, but it comes with risks and Brighton capitalised on one of them.
For Newcastle, the focus now turns to regrouping quickly. The loss leaves them in the bottom half of the Premier League table and searching for consistency in both performance and results.
But amid the disappointment, there were glimpses of the attitude and fight that Howe values particularly in players like Anthony Gordon, whose anger after being substituted showed just how much the badge means to him.
His reaction was a reminder that Newcastle’s revival under Howe isn’t just about tactics or transfers it’s about building a team full of players who demand more from themselves.
Gordon’s seething frustration was the mark of a player who refuses to accept defeat quietly and that, for all its emotion, is exactly what Newcastle need as they look to climb back up the table.
