Anthony Gordon put in his place by Harvey Barnes after Newcastle United's huge win on Wednesday night
Newcastle United fans have a bit of a bee in their collective bonnets over Anthony Gordon of late, and that has only been made worse by Eddie Howe's words in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Leeds United game.
Whether it was a case of Eddie Howe not getting his words right or whatever, the Newcastle gaffer made it sound as though Anthony Gordon was refusing to play on the right wing and demanding to stay out on the left.
Ironically, in last night's game, Gordon contributed to Newcastle's opener while operating on the right-hand side of the pitch, so we know he can do it.
The fact that a modern-day footballer will dictate to their head coach where they feel they should be playing is insane. Lewis Miley is supposed to be a central midfielder, yet last night he played right-back, midfield and centre-back and not only did he not moan about it, but he also gave his all in every position.
Harvey Barnes shows how he is a team player amid Anthony Gordon's refusal to move position
Perhaps if Anthony Gordon was playing at the peak of his powers like he was a couple of seasons ago, we'd forgive him for not wanting to adapt his game, but the fact is, he's been bang average heading towards unforgivably poor for much of this season.
When asked about playing on the right last night, Harvey Barnes, who is also primarily a left-sided forward, spoke of his delight at just being selected.
“For me, that's not a real concern. I don't pick the team. I don't choose where people play.
"I've been out of the team for the last few weeks, so for me it's just been about when I do get an opportunity, like tonight, taking it and making sure whether I'm on the right, whether I'm on the left.
“I'll do a job and I feel like I'll always find myself in goal-scoring opportunities. I was on the right for a lot and scored there and went over to the left later on. It's scored from the left, scored from the six-yard box, but I know I can affect the game as long as I'm on the pitch.”
Anthony Gordon needs to take a page out of Harvey Barnes' book
Anthony Gordon can learn a lot from that response. If you're confident in your abilities, you can contribute wherever you play.
Considering Gordon apparently fancies himself as a centre-forward as well as a left winger, despite the fact that he's never scored from open play when playing as a centre-forward, tells you a lot about his delusions of grandeur.
What's frustrating for so many fans is that we know how good Anthony Gordon is. We have seen it. But for whatever reason, he's nowhere near his best lately. Perhaps it's ego, perhaps he's got his eye on a move elsewhere, but if he doesn't perform for Newcastle, who is going to want to take him?
Now, if he's not going to be a team player, he's going to find himself outcast at Newcastle too. It's like he's trying to sabotage his own career.
