Anthony Gordon’s match-winning performance against Chelsea has intensified calls for Eddie Howe to bench club-record signing Nick Woltemade, who struggled significantly during the 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Anthony Gordon propelled Newcastle United to a crucial 1-0 away victory over Chelsea, significantly boosting their European aspirations.
Operating as a center-forward, Gordon combined defensive tenacity with clinical finishing to net his fifth league goal of the season.
“At Chelsea, Gordon was tenacious and difficult to deal with,” noted observers, as he won all eight of his ground duels to secure the gutsy clean-sheet win.
In contrast, £69m signing Nick Woltemade faced harsh criticism after another ineffective display in a deeper hybrid role.
The striker managed just nine accurate passes in 67 minutes, leading scouts to label him a “passenger” and “a misfit with Howe’s style of play.”
Despite his talent, Woltemade has now gone 12 top-flight games without a goal, prompting suggestions he should be dropped for upcoming fixtures.