Newcastle United are facing a storm with their star striker Alexander Isak, but manager Eddie Howe has found hope in an unexpected source: Anthony Gordon.
Isak has refused to play for Newcastle, going on strike in an attempt to force a move to Liverpool. His absence left a huge gap in the team during their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. Without him, Newcastle struggled to find the net and were held to a 0-0 draw at Villa Park.
But while many thought the Magpies had no real striker to rely on, Howe was quick to point out that Gordon stepped up to the challenge. The England forward, who was linked with Liverpool last summer, led the line for Newcastle and gave a fighting performance.
Eddie Howe rejected claims that his side lacked a striker. “I don’t look at it like that,” he said. “[Gordon] has played there for us before and he’s played very well.”
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The Newcastle boss explained that Gordon has already taken on the central forward role in training and in games when tactical changes were needed. “It’s not something totally alien to him,” Howe insisted.
According to Howe, Gordon doesn’t just fill the position, he enjoys it. “He’s done it many, many times. He enjoys the role, so that’s another big thing. It’s not like you’re asking him to play there and he’s going, ‘I don’t really want to do that.’ Everyone likes to be the focal point of the team.”
For Howe, Gordon’s commitment makes the situation less worrying. “I thought he played well, so I don’t see there being a negative,” he said. Still, Howe admitted that more striker options would give the squad better flexibility. “Yes, we’d like more strikers to pick from because that just gives you more decisions and more choices to make,” he explained.
Even so, he praised the performance of Will when he came on, showing that there is at least some depth in the squad. “That was another good sign,” Howe added. “So I’m more than happy to continue as we are.”
This means Gordon is expected to lead Newcastle’s attack when they face Liverpool, the very club he once dreamed of playing for. Gordon, a boyhood Reds fan, was linked heavily with a move to Anfield last summer, but the transfer never happened. Now, fate has put him in a position to face them as Newcastle’s main striker.
The 24-year-old forward has been vocal about the unity inside the Newcastle camp, even with all the distractions around Isak’s situation. “That’s our main strength, our togetherness, and nothing’s going to break that,” Gordon said after the Villa match.
He added that every challenge Newcastle face only makes them stronger. “Things can only make it better. Every challenge that comes at us is going to make us better. I think you’ve seen that against Aston Villa.”
Despite the difficulties, Gordon praised the staff and his teammates for keeping morale high during a tough summer. “It’s been a difficult summer and you wouldn’t have thought it looking at us, the way we performed, so it’s a testament to the staff and all the lads for keeping up.”
When asked about his new attacking role, Gordon admitted he enjoys the responsibility. “I really like it,” he said. “As my career progresses, I think I might end up more central.”
That statement is music to Howe’s ears, as Newcastle may need him to keep that role if Isak leaves. With Liverpool pushing to land the Swedish striker, the pressure on Gordon is likely to grow.
But Gordon is not shying away from the challenge. Instead, he seems motivated by the chance to prove himself in a role many doubted he could play. Facing Liverpool at St James’ Park could be his moment to shine.
For Newcastle fans, this story is filled with drama: a star striker refusing to play, another player stepping up unexpectedly, and a clash with one of the Premier League’s giants on the horizon.
For Liverpool fans, the situation is just as curious. While they wait to see if Isak becomes their new striker, they will first have to face the man who could have joined them: Anthony Gordon.
The match is more than just about points. It’s a battle of emotions, loyalty, and opportunity. Howe has placed his faith in Gordon, and the player has embraced it with courage.
If Gordon performs well against Liverpool, the transfer saga will only grow hotter. But if he struggles, the pressure on Newcastle to replace Isak quickly will become unbearable.
Either way, all eyes will be on St James’ Park. Liverpool want Isak. Newcastle want stability. And Gordon, caught in the middle, has the chance to turn himself into a hero.
