Anthony Gordon mocks ‘loser’ Joelinton in Newcastle footage
Anthony Gordon has poked fun at Joelinton in a hilarious video taken on the club’s pre-season tour in Asia.
Newcastle have struggled this summer both on and off the pitch with their transfer dealings.
The Toon have lost both of their pre-season matches so far, losing 4-0 away to Celtic and 3-2 to Arsenal in Singapore.
Conversely, their transfer activity has been lethargic, only bringing in Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga for a reported £52million fee (Sky Sports).
The Magpies have missed out on key players such as Joao Pedro who signed for Chelsea and James Trafford who joined former club Man City.
Adding the Alexander Isak uncertainty into the mix, it is possible that Newcastle camp’s morale is lower than usual as the players try to keep out all the noise.
Gordon and Joelinton fool around on tour
In an Instagram story (29 July), Joelinton was seen crawling under the table after him and Brazilian compatriot Bruno Guimaraes lost a pool match.
Captioned: “At least we have one good loser”, Gordon and Kieran Trippier were heard taunting the number seven as he completed the loser end of match ritual.
Pool has been a common theme on the Newcastle pre-season tour with Elanga also playing alongside right-back Trippier.
Gordon to play a bigger role if Isak goes
Football Insider verdict
Should the Swedish striker leave this summer and Newcastle fail to sign a replacement striker such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, the Englishman may assume the striker role next season.
Indeed, Willy Osula is waiting in the wings to make an impact if called upon, but Eddie Howe opted to play Gordon in a false nine when both Isak and Callum Wilson were out injured.
When the ex-Everton winger occupies central spaces, he has allowed the other wide men to play more central given his tendency to pull defenders around.
This would greatly elevate Harvey Barnes who was potent last season when cutting in off the left, hitting a purple patch towards the back end last time out.
New man Elanga would also benefit from the England international’s central role if he drops deep, pulling centre-backs away to open space in-behind for the pacy Swede.
The reinvention of the number 10 could be a critical back-up plan if the Toon cannot replace their talisman up top.