Anthony Gordon: Time for Newcastle forward to deliver in Premier League

Gordon has often been a big-game player for Newcastle.

The England striker became the second player to score against Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United in a single Premier League season, joining Leicester City hero Jamie Vardy a few seasons ago.

Five of the nine goals he scored in all competitions for Newcastle last year came against Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.

Perhaps it’s no surprise he’s enjoying life in the Champions League.

Among all players in this competition, Gordon ranks first for goals and assists total (five), third for goals (four) and big chance total (six) and fourth for fouls won (eight).

In a small sample size, including his two penalties against Union Saint-Gilloise, his shot conversion rate (50%) and xG (2.73) were higher in the Champions League than in the Premier League this season.

On the other hand, according to Opta, Gordon created significantly more chances up top (five), dribbled more (10), won more fouls (nine), took more shots (13) and made more touches in the opposition penalty area (18).

However, despite appearing in two additional Premier League matches, he has yet to find the back of the net or provide an assist.

The England striker is conscious enough to joke that it would be beneficial to play the Champions League ball domestically.

The same can be said for a teammate or two.

Newcastle may have scored eight goals in Europe this season, but only the Premier League’s bottom three teams have managed fewer than the Magpies’ seven goals in eight games in the top-flight league.

Why is this the case? It’s confusing for many people.

“I don’t have an answer for that, I wish I could,” Gordon said. “I have to take it game by game, approach every game the same way. I don’t know what’s different.”