It’s been nearly a year since a frustrated Anthony Gordon threw Eddie Howe away when he was substituted against Brentford, but the player is now on the verge of an England call-up.
Anthony Gordon has ten goals and one assist, and the Scouser is widely regarded as the season’s best performer at St James’ Park.
The 23-year-old is also deserving of a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England sides, which will face Brazil and Belgium at Wembley later this month. His scintillating form, however, is a far cry from last season, when a dugout fight with Eddie Howe resulted in some unwanted headlines following a 2-1 victory over Brentford in the capital.
After being reminded of the incident, Howe told reporters that the episode strengthened the pair’s connection and created the groundwork for this season’s great performance. Indeed, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both injured, Gordon has stepped up to the plate to deliver double figures and may be looking to add to that total.
When asked about the incident at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, where a disgruntled Gordon shoved Howe’s hand away after being removed, Howe said: “The Brentford incident was blown out of proportion, really. That was Anthony’s positive trait: his strong determination to succeed and seize every opportunity.
“He was unhappy to be leaving, despite the fact that there were only a few seconds remaining. There was no problem there, and I stated it immediately. It was his boyish ambition to succeed.
“And it is this desire that has propelled him forward.” Plus, his belief in his own abilities has propelled him to new heights this season.”
When Howe brought on Matt Targett to replace the man who had come on as a replacement, the head coach stated: “From my side, there were 30 seconds left and he went down holding his ankle, so I placed an experienced player on the pitch. Taking him off has nothing to do with his time on the pitch.”
