Eddie Howe believes Anthony Gordon has learned lessons from his most recent Newcastle United red card.
Gordon could return to Premier League action for Newcastle United on Sunday, having missed the last three games after being shown a red card against Liverpool last month.
That was the England international’s third red card since he signed for the club in January 2023, with the dismissal before that infamously ruling him out of the Carabao Cup final earlier this year.
Now, the 24-year-old is available for League selection once again. This feels like a big season in Gordon’s career as he looks to bounce back from a relatively poor campaign last year following an admittedly difficult summer.
Howe believes his player will have learned from his mistakes.
Eddie Howe has no issue with Anthony Gordon’s discipline
The Newcastle United manager was quizzed on the matter ahead of Newcastle United vs Arsenal on Sunday.
With Gordon expected to return to the starting lineup, Howe has backed the former Everton youngster to put his red card behind him.
Indeed, Howe even refused to criticise him following the red card against Liverpool. He’s of the belief his late tackle on Virgil van Dijk came from a desperate desire to win more than anything else.
“You don’t want to see players get sent off – we pride ourselves on our discipline and our emotional control in games,” he said (via The Independent).
“We want to keep 11 players on the pitch, so certainly from his last two red cards, I’m sure there will be some learnings for him to take away to think about if he’s in those situations again, how he would react.
“But I’ve got no problem with his discipline. I think the red card against Liverpool was more on his desire to try to win the ball back – I’d never stop that.
“But obviously now with VAR and everything, you’ve got to be really careful.”
Arsenal beware as Anthony Gordon’s record against the Gunners revealed
Having Gordon available for selection is a major boost for Newcastle.
That should, in theory, mean he reverts to his more natural left-wing role and allow Nick Woltemade the chance to start through the middle as Newcastle’s central striker.
Gordon has a fine record against the Gunners, too.
In nine games against them, he’s scored three goals – including a controversial winner at St James’ Park in 2023 – and one assist. Gordon has also been on the winning side five times, losing the other four.
Brilliant against them in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final last season, it’s easy to see why Howe is delighted that Gordon is available to play for Newcastle against Arsenal.
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