Howe Urges Gordon To Keep Scoring Streak Alive After Champions League Heroics

Eddie Howe press conference 

Eddie Howe wants Anthony Gordon to keep prioritizing goals after Champions League exploits, ahead of tough Manchester City clash.

“It was great from Anthony that he's got that strong enough resolve that he wants to score in every moment...”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is urging Anthony Gordon to keep prioritizing goals after his impressive four-goal haul against Qarabag in the Champions League. Gordon's performance helped Newcastle secure a 6-1 win in the first leg of the playoff, taking his season tally to 10 goals in the competition.

Howe praised Anthony Gordon's attitude, saying, “He's got that strong enough resolve that he wants to score in every moment – and you'd want that from any player.” This comes after Gordon ignored captain Kieran Trippier's suggestion to let Nick Woltemade take a penalty, opting to score his fourth goal instead.

Anthony Gordon scored his second penalty at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, despite Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier's attempts to let Nick Woltemade take the spot-kick.

Howe, asked if he wanted Gordon to have a selfish streak, told reporters on Friday: “There were really big positives to take from that incident. Moments like that get blown out of all proportion; it was a very minor issue.

“It was great from Anthony that he's got that strong enough resolve that he wants to score in every moment - and you'd want that from any player - so I've got no issue with him.

“I've got no issue with Kieran also, trying to think of the team and trying to lead in his way and be the aspiring leader that he is in every moment. I actually thought it was a real positive on all sides.

“The good thing is we scored the penalty, so that in itself is another positive. I think it showed that all the players care and we want to do well.”

"Sleep was an issue but we've got another sleep to go, by kick-off we should be ok"

Eddie Howe applauds his Newcastle team during a demanding fixture schedule 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ULENQCr1TT

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 20, 2026

Newcastle's got a tough one on Saturday, heading to the Etihad to face second-placed Manchester City. The Magpies haven't won at City's ground since 2000 and haven't taken any points from the last 16 visits – can they break the streak?