Anthony Gordon’s Struggles at Newcastle: What’s the Real Issue?

Anthony Gordon’s journey at Newcastle United has been less than ideal lately. Last season, Gordon dazzled fans with his dynamic performances, but this year tells a different story. His form has noticeably dipped, and his latest outing against Fulham was particularly concerning, as reported by Luke Edwards of The Telegraph. Edwards describes Gordon’s body language as troubling, marked by slumped shoulders and visible frustration, highlighting a player deeply struggling with his form.

Impact of the Failed Liverpool Move

One major off-pitch distraction for Gordon was the collapse of a potential move to Liverpool, his boyhood club. This saga seems to have taken a toll on his focus and mental state. Edwards notes, “Former England manager Gareth Southgate was well aware the player was distracted by the talk.” Such distractions are not new in football, but the personal nature of this move’s collapse appears to have hit Gordon hard, affecting his performance and commitment on the field.

Contractual Woes and Slow Progress

Another layer to Gordon’s challenges includes the slow progress on a new contract with Newcastle. Despite assurances of a lucrative long-term deal following his excellent form last season, negotiations have dragged on. This situation might be contributing to his current poor form as players often need to feel valued and appreciated through contractual acknowledgment. Telegraph Sport reveals that the negotiations are ongoing, but the delay is another stressor for Gordon.

Psychological and Emotional Factors

Gordon’s struggles are not just professional but also personal. His family remains in the North West while he lives in the North East, and he has been seen socializing back in Hale, Manchester, where he used to live. The emotional turmoil of possibly moving to Liverpool, only for it to fall through, coupled with his social adjustments, might be affecting his psychological well-being. This complexity of personal and professional issues can significantly impact an athlete’s performance on the field.

Position Under Threat

On the pitch, Gordon’s position is now under threat. With teammates like Harvey Barnes showing better form and versatility, Gordon finds his starting spot at risk. Edwards points out, “Barnes had struggled with injuries… but he has been far more effective than Gordon so far this season.” With tactical changes and other players stepping up, Gordon needs to rediscover the form that made him a key player last season or risk being sidelined.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle supporter, seeing Anthony Gordon struggle this season is disheartening. Last season, he was a beacon of hope and talent for us, showcasing skills that could potentially lead Newcastle to higher league positions and possibly European competitions. However, this season has been a stark contrast, with his form taking a nosedive.

The failed move to Liverpool seems to have deeply affected him. It’s hard to watch a player who contributed so much to our success last year look so out of sorts. The ongoing delay with his new contract only adds to the frustration. As fans, we can’t help but feel that the club’s management should resolve these contractual issues more swiftly to stabilize the player’s mindset.

Moreover, his current performance might not just be about professional challenges but personal ones too. We hope the club provides him the support he needs to overcome these hurdles. After all, a happy player off the pitch is often a performing player on the pitch.

As Manchester City looms on the horizon, we, the fans, stand behind Gordon, hoping he can turn this around. Howe’s management style has been protective, but perhaps it’s time for some tough love? Either way, getting Gordon back to his best is crucial, not just for his career but for the whole team and us, the supporters.