Key Highlights
- Newcastle United faced off against Marseille in the Champions League and suffered a 2-1 loss.
- Eddie Howe’s experiment with Anthony Gordon as a lone striker proved unsuccessful, with Gordon showing no improvement away from Aubameyang and Barnes.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continued his fine season for Marseille, scoring the comeback goal to secure victory.
- Newcastle is considering selling Newcastle star Harvey Barnes in order to pursue Elliot Anderson’s return.
The Battle at Orange Velodrome: Newcastle United’s Champions League Misstep
In a thrilling encounter at the Orange Velodrome, Newcastle United were outplayed by Marseille in their latest Champions League match. This game was yet another setback for the Magpies as they continue to struggle away from home under the management of Eddie Howe.
Harvey Barnes’ Spark
The contest looked to be within Newcastle’s grasp when Harvey Barnes scored a goal, adding to his already impressive tally in this season. Barnes has been a standout performer for the team, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. However, his efforts alone were not enough to secure victory against the determined Ligue 1 side.
Eddie Howe’s Experiment Fails
The match also served as a stark reminder of Howe’s decision to play Anthony Gordon as a lone striker in an experiment that has thus far failed. Thomas Hammond, a seasoned journalist, observed at full-time whistle that Gordon’s performance was another “nothing” display for the ex-Everton man this season. Despite registering three shots on goal, Gordon’s touchline presence of only 25 touches before Nick Wolfenden came into the game suggests Howe might need to reconsider his starting XI.
Anthony Gordon’s campaign away from Aubameyang and Barnes has shown no signs of improvement, with him remaining on zero goals and assists in the Premier League this season.
In comparison, Barnes has scored a robust seven strikes across all competitions from just 925 minutes of action. This disparity highlights the potential for a shake-up at St James’ Park.
The Potential Sale of Gordon
With Newcastle clearly well-stocked down the flanks, Gordon’s future is in question. His struggles away from Aubameyang and Barnes have made him an unlikely candidate to displace either player, despite his potential as a replacement for Joelinton, who has also been inconsistent recently.
As Howe continues to grapple with his squad, he may even consider selling Gordon to recoup some of the £45m paid for him. This move could free up funds for Newcastle’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson, whose return to Tyneside has been mooted. Manchester United are also in the mix and believe they could secure Anderson for a reported £60m.
The Future at St James’ Park
With Joelinton also not performing as expected, this feels like an urgent signing that Newcastle and Premier Investment Fund (PIF) must pursue if the correct sum is found. Additionally, with Nick Pope’s recent errors, Howe might consider disposing of him to bring in a more reliable goalkeeper.
Pope has been a shadow of his former self since his £45m move from Burnley, conceding 10 goals in just ten games this November alone. While he once had the distinction of being one of the best goalkeepers Howe ever worked with, his current form is concerning.
Reports suggest PIF were looking for around £15m for Pope earlier this year.
For Newcastle to make a move for Anderson and revitalize their season, they need to address both their defense and attacking lineup. The potential sale of Gordon could be the first step in that direction, providing funds necessary to bring in a player like Anderson who could potentially turn the club’s fortunes around.
The upcoming months will be crucial as Howe and PIF navigate these complexities, hoping to find solutions for a team in need of improvement both on and off the pitch. As this situation unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Newcastle can reclaim their former glory.
