In the aftermath of a historic European night, Anthony Gordon has once again proven that he is the beating heart of Newcastle United’s ambitious project. While most players would be over the moon after scoring four goals in a single Champions League match, Gordon walked away from the 6-1 thrashing of Qarabag with a surprisingly critical view of his own performance.
His relentless drive for perfection is exactly what has made him a target for the biggest clubs in the world, yet the 24-year-old forward was quick to dismiss the swirling rumors linking him with a summer exit to Arsenal, Manchester United, or a return to his childhood home at Liverpool.
The speculation regarding Gordon’s future has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, but the player himself describes these reports as nothing more than a “load of rubbish.” When confronted with the news that he was once again being linked with the Premier League’s heavy hitters, Gordon’s reaction was one of amused disbelief.
He joked that the media simply picks names out of a hat to generate headlines, insisting that if there were any truth to the rumors, he would likely be the first to know. This refreshingly blunt stance is a testament to how much he has matured since the summer of 2024, a time when he admits his head was briefly turned by the prospect of a move to Anfield.
Now, Gordon appears more grounded and focused than ever. He has learned from past experiences that looking too far into the future can lead to a drop in on-field performance a mistake he is determined not to repeat. His current focus is entirely on the “right now,” helping Newcastle secure their place among Europe’s elite.
By his own admission, he has seen enough “transfer stuff” to understand that most of it is noise designed to distract. For Gordon, the goal is simple: continue building his legacy as a Newcastle United legend.
His performance in Baku was a masterclass in modern attacking football. Gordon’s four-goal salvo took his Champions League tally for the campaign to a staggering ten goals, with fourteen in all competitions so far this season.
Despite these incredible numbers, the forward remained disappointed that he didn’t walk off the pitch with a double hat-trick. He pointed to two missed opportunities that he felt he should have converted, labeling them as chances he expects himself to score.
This “never-satisfied” mentality is a hallmark of elite athletes and explains why Eddie Howe has come to rely so heavily on the young Scouser.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle is a team built on high standards and defensive discipline, and Gordon echoed his manager’s cautious approach to the second leg. Despite the five-goal advantage, Gordon refused to declare the tie over.
He noted that in football, anything can happen, and he credited the team’s defensive solidity for keeping a dangerous Qarabag side at bay for most of the night. The mentality within the dressing room is one of total focus, treating every game as a final regardless of the aggregate scoreline.
| Anthony Gordon Season Stats | Champions League | Domestic Competitions | Total |
| Appearances | 9 | 22 | 31 |
| Goals | 10 | 4 | 14 |
| Assists | 3 | 7 | 10 |
The dream of silverware remains very much alive for the Magpies. With the FA Cup still a viable route to glory and the ambitious path to the Champions League final in Budapest still open, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the club.
When asked if Newcastle could finally end their long trophy drought this season, Gordon’s answer was short but filled with hope. He is a player who clearly believes in the project and the people around him, and his commitment to the cause will be vital if the club is to reach its lofty objectives.
As Gordon boarded the flight home from Azerbaijan, he left behind more than just a broken record or two; he left a clear message to the rest of the footballing world. Newcastle United is no longer a “stepping stone” club for ambitious players.
Under the guidance of Howe and with leaders like Gordon on the pitch, they have become a destination in their own right. The noise from London or Liverpool may continue, but as long as Gordon is scoring four goals a game and demanding more from himself, the Tyneside faithful can rest easy knowing their star man is exactly where he wants to be.
