Dean Ashton has slammed Anthony Gordon for the winger’s ‘embarrassing’ miss early into Newcastle United’s match at Manchester City. He spurned a chance to break the deadlock.
The Magpies visited the Citizens in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon eager to get their season back on course. The Toon have lost ground in the race to finish in the top four in recent weeks. Eddie Howe had only overseen one win through their last seven matches.
Howe had also only afforded Gordon a limited role since the 22-year-old joined Newcastle in January. The forward moved to Tyneside from Everton for an upfront £40m, plus £5m in add-ons. Yet he had only played 101 minutes across three cameo outings in the top-flight.
Eddie Howe gave Anthony Gordon his first Newcastle United start on Saturday
Gordon could not feature for Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final last week, either, having played one game for Everton. While the England U21 dynamo also left Goodison Park with three goals over 16 Premier League fixtures. He remains their joint-top scorer this season.
The Liverpool-born attacker had struck goals against Brentford and Leeds United in August plus Crystal Palace in October. He also started in 12 of his 16 top-flight outings under Frank Lampard for the Merseyside club. But Gordon left without offering a single assist this term.
Howe admires the attacking threat that Gordon can offer, so afforded the forward his first Newcastle start at Manchester City. He almost saw the winger repay his faith on only eight minutes, too. But the Toffees product spurned his chance to deliver the Toon an early lead.
Newcastle played Gordon through on goal at the Etihad with a lovely pass. But the forward slipped as he shaped to shoot and wasted the opening. Phil Foden then punished the Toon ace to give Manchester City the lead after 15 minutes after gliding past Gordon on his way.
Dean Ashton slams Anthony Gordon for his ‘embarrassing’ miss vs Manchester City
Gordon frustrated former West Ham United striker Ashton with the Newcastle star’s early miss at Manchester City. The ex-England international critiqued the youngster’s technique.
“This is a half-chance for Anthony Gordon,” Ashton said on talkSPORT (04/03, 12:43). “But just as he’s about to strike, it’s that really embarrassing one as he plants his foot and takes a wild swipe. It’s embarrassing and also an opportunity missed. That’s a half-chance.”
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