Jamie Carragher offers Anthony Gordon explanation before fresh Gary Neville criticism
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Anthony Gordon has scored just two Premier League goals this season and has struggled for the Magpies having been linked with a move to Liverpool last yearNewcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has faced criticism from Gary Neville for his performance against Manchester United. His struggles have coincided with a slow start for Eddie Howe's side, where they sit in the bottom half of the table, six points off the Champions League places.But it is in Europe where the attacker has been prolific with five goals and two assists in six appearances.READ MORE: Man Utd handed instant handball verdict after penalty let-off against NewcastleREAD MORE: Man Utd's unlikely hero downs Newcastle as Ruben Amorim gamble rewarded - 5 talking pointsHowever, Carragher has claimed that Gordon could have established himself as one of the best Premier League players, following his standout performances 18 months ago that saw him become top of the class in his position, but a lack of consistency has led to him failing to kick on.He said: "I think 18 months ago, Anthony Gordon was looking as good as any left winger in the Premier League at that stage and it just hasn't seemed to happen for him in terms of kicking on in terms of becoming Newcastle ’s best player and one of the best in the Premier League.“He was very close to moving on when Newcastle has PSR issues to Liverpool.
Whether that has affected him… I know he's a Liverpool fan, even though he came through at Everton but he's never quite got to those heights. There’s definitely a really special player but we’re talking consistency and that’s the biggest key."Prior to the defeat to Manchester United, Howe had set Gordon the challenge of replicating the performance that he turned out against Chelsea.The winger was a constant threat against the Londoners and, although he was unlucky not to win a penalty following a foul from Trevoh Chalobah, he provided an assist and created two big chances in the 2-2 draw.Howe said: “That is the challenge.
It started very early on the game when he won the ball back in the build up to our first goal and he is the one getting on the end of Murphy’s cross and Nick ultimately scores but two actions there, one with the tackle and then in the box.“That shows Anthony at his very best then he sets up another goal for Nick. He said: "This is a perfect example of Gordon, too wide, too deep.