After a sluggish beginning to the season, Newcastle is starting to gain momentum. Having secured a top-four finish last season, which ensured the return of Champions League football to St James’ Park, there are high expectations for Newcastle to at least replicate last season’s success. We spoke with former Newcastle winger, John Barnes, to discuss their 4-0 victory against Crystal Palace and Antony Gordon’s performance.Newcastle are showing signs of another top four push.
In this article:
- Newcastle are showing signs of another top four push
- Gordon has to keep working hard to keep his place in Newcastle team
- Newcastle and Gordon should prioritise steady growth
- Smith-Rowe and Phillips would be good Newcastle signings
The competition for Newcastle’s number nine position between Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak presents Eddie Howe with a delightful dilemma. Both strikers are immensely skilled and unique in their capabilities. Ensuring their contentment will be a challenge. Barnes suggests a potential solution: positioning Isak as a wide forward, which would allow Wilson to maintain the central striker role.
“Isak has played very well since joining the club. Sometimes he plays down the middle. Sometimes he plays out wide.
“Callum Wilson has also been used as a number nine so we can’t say Isak is the first choice number nine.
“Isak can play across the frontline. I don’t think he will score 30+ goals in a season but he works hard and has an ability to hold the ball up, bring people into the game and score goals. Isak is the perfect player for the way Newcastle want to play.
“After their poor start Newcastle are showing signs they can push for one of those Champions League places.”
‘Anthony Gordon Needs To Keep Working Hard’
Last season proved challenging for Antony Gordon. Departing from his boyhood club, Everton, did not sit well with the Goodison Park supporters. Following his £45m transfer, Gordon struggled to make an immediate impact. However, this season, he has undeniably showcased his talent. This uplift in performance has sparked discussions about a potential England call-up, but Barnes advises tempering expectations for now.
“Newcastle didn’t start well didn’t they? They’ve done well in the last four-five games but they have been quite inconsistent.
“Anthony Gordon needs to keep working hard. He went to Newcastle with a big reputation. That’s not to say he’s going to be playing for them every week either because they’ve got so many good players. He’s just got to keep his head down, work hard, try and learn and improve and be consistent.”
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Newcastle And Gordon Should Prioritise Steady Growth
Barnes is delighted with Newcastle’s recent form but urges caution ahead of a long season and more games in Europe’s biggest club competition.
“Being consistent is what Newcastle also have to do, without getting carried away by good performances and all of a sudden they don’t play well next week.
“So I’m not judging Newcastle or Anthony Gordon based on what they’ve done in the last one or two games. Because there are games when he’s played, he’s not done particularly well and I’m not judging him on those either.
“Newcastle and Gordon have got to grow slowly.”
Smith-Rowe And Phillips Would Be Good Newcastle Signings
The futures of Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith-Rowe have been topics of conversation. Both have grappled with injuries and limited playing time in recent years, yet they are highly valued within the England setup. With the Euro 2024 Championship on the horizon, both are seeking consistent playing time. Barnes believes Newcastle could be a potential destination for them.
“Phillips and Smith-Rowe are young and English. I love it when young English players go to clubs who have high aspirations.
“They both are very good players. Obviously it’s not worked out for Phillips at Manchester City but that doesn’t mean he’s not a good player otherwise Man City wouldn’t have bought him.
“As to whether he feels he wants to fight for his place at Man City but of course, both of them would be very good acquisitions for Newcastle as was Harvey Barnes.
“I think both of them would be good signings for Newcastle.”
