What Eddie Howe told Anthony Gordon as Newcastle forward tackles new challenge

Eddie Howe saw exactly what he needed from Anthony Gordon during Newcastle’s hard-fought draw at Brighton – now he wants the England international to build on that momentum as the Magpies enter the decisive phase of their Champions League pursuit.

The 23-year-old winger, forced to watch from the sidelines after his FA Cup suspension and Harvey Barnes’ impressive form, made an immediate impact when introduced in the 55th minute at the Amex.

Within moments, Gordon’s direct running earned what initially appeared to be a penalty, only for VAR to controversially overturn the decision. While the spot-kick was chalked off, his cameo offered a timely reminder of the qualities that made him one of Newcastle’s standout performers earlier this season.

“That’s exactly his job when he gets an opportunity – to come on and show his qualities,” Howe emphasized. “He delivered that. There was that exquisite pass to Bruno that could have led to something special, and while the penalty decision didn’t stand, his contribution shifted the momentum in our favor.”

The Newcastle boss now faces a selection dilemma ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Chelsea. Barnes’ consistency makes him the current favorite for the left-wing role, but Gordon’s ability to change games from the bench adds valuable depth as the Magpies navigate this intense final stretch.

Isak’s Ice-Cold Composure Rescues Vital Point

Newcastle ultimately salvaged a point through Alexander Isak’s nerveless 65th minute penalty – the Swedish striker’s 23rd Premier League goal of a remarkable campaign. Howe reserved special praise for his talisman’s unique mentality in pressure situations.

“Technically, Alex has every finish in the book with both feet,” Howe said. “But what truly sets him apart is his ability to slow the game down at precisely the right moment – not to the point of losing possession, but to create that half-second of clarity before executing.

That composure under pressure is something very few possess, and he’s delivered it consistently since joining us.”

The 24-year-old’s clinical finishing has kept Newcastle in the European hunt despite their injury crisis, with his penalty conversion rate (7/7 this season) proving particularly valuable in tight contests.

European Race Reaches Boiling Point

With Chelsea visiting St James’ Park this weekend in what amounts to a Champions League qualification playoff, Howe insists his focus remains solely on matters within his control rather than scoreboard watching elsewhere.

“Of course I follow other results – I’m only human,” the Newcastle manager admitted. “You naturally hope for outcomes that benefit your position. But I refuse to invest emotional energy in things beyond our control. Our destiny remains in our hands – if we win our games, we won’t need to rely on anyone else.”

The Brighton draw, while frustrating in isolation, could prove valuable in the final reckoning. Newcastle currently sit level on points with Chelsea but boast a superior goal difference, meaning victory on Sunday would represent a potentially decisive swing in the race for fifth.

Howe’s measured approach reflects lessons learned from last season’s top-four chase. Rather than obsessing over rivals’ results, he’s drilling into his squad the importance of maintaining their intensity and trusting their methods.

With Manchester City and Tottenham still to play after Chelsea, the Magpies’ fate remains firmly in their own hands.

As the tension builds towards Sunday’s high-stakes encounter, Gordon’s resurgence provides another weapon in Newcastle’s arsenal.

If he can translate his Brighton impact into a match-winning contribution against Chelsea, it might just be the spark that reignites Newcastle’s European dream.