Newcastle asking questions of Anthony Gordon as ‘major problem’ emerges
Newcastle United have endured a difficult start to their Premier League season so far with a number of key players struggling to hit top form.
Eddie Howe’s side lost 3-1 to West Ham last time out, despite the Hammers having dropped towards the bottom of the table after their own dismal start.
Newcastle have now won just three of their opening 10 league games, while they are yet to pick up three points on the road since beating Leicester City in April.
While Howe has been questioned at Newcastle, there are also concerns emerging about a number of key players, including Anthony Gordon.
The winger has failed to provide a single goal or assist in seven league appearances so far, while his goalless Premier League run now stretches back 19 games.
Anthony Gordon raising ‘major concerns’ at Newcastle
Gordon has scored in all three of Newcastle’s Champions League fixtures so far, while he also found the net for England last month, but his league displays are a concern.
Following Newcastle’s defeat to West Ham, during which the winger was dragged off at half-time, questions are now being asked of his performances.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that his lack of goals and recent inconsistency is a “major concern” for the Magpies.
“There was a worrying stat about Gordon after the West Ham game,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s now gone 19 games without a goal in the Premier League, and that came as a surprise to me because I expect much more from him.
“He was taken off at half-time against West Ham, after a fast start to the game, because nothing came of that and he ended up fading into the background.
“The manager will be concerned about that, because if he’s getting so much of the ball and not producing in the final third, it becomes a major problem.
“It’s easy to be blinded by the fact that you’re seeing him covering ground on the pitch and he can look dangerous with his pace, but he’s not impacting the game.
“Whatever the reasons are, it’s something he needs to resolve quickly, because quite often with these runs, the longer they go on for the less likely it is to end.
“I think questions have to be asked about the reasons for his recent run.
“He’s scoring for England and scoring in the Champions League, but he needs to start doing it in the league to help Newcastle out of this poor run.”
Prior to the clash on 2 November, West Ham had lost all four of their home games this season and were winless at the London Stadium since February.
Newcastle also have concerns about Anthony Elanga
Gordon is not the only player causing concerns at Newcastle, with Anthony Elanga‘s form also raising alarm bells since joining from Nottingham Forest in the summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 3 November that Elanga’s form is a concern for Howe given the money spent to bring him to St James’ Park.
The Sweden international was replaced by Jacob Murphy against West Ham, and Elanga has been criticised for his Newcastle displays, leading to growing frustrations.
Football Insider revealed on 23 October that Newcastle are struggling due to behind-the-scenes chaos which emerged during the summer transfer window.
Elanga has been a victim to that chaos and has so far struggled to adapt and show his best form at Newcastle, with the club’s patience being tested.
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