Newcastle United misplaced 3-1 at Fulham on Saturday and journalist Luke Edwards has slammed the efficiency of 1 “surprising” Magpies participant, not least his physique language.
Newcastle undergo defeat at Fulham
Eddie Howe‘s aspect knew a win at Craven Cottage may have put them high of the Premier League, following a powerful begin to the season, definitely by way of outcomes.
Newcastle‘s performances in 2024/25 have not at all times been completely convincing, nonetheless, and a disappointing exhibiting on Saturday afternoon led to a deserved defeat.
Objectives from Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe put Fulham in full management within the first half, firing them right into a 2-0 lead with solely 1 / 4 of the sport performed, however Harvey Barnes did at the least cut back the arrears straight after half-time. Reiss Nelson accomplished the scoring in stoppage time, nonetheless, because the Magpies suffered their first league defeat of the season.
The loss in west London leaves Newcastle sixth within the desk, and whereas the begin to the season has been a strong one general to date, there was arguably a sense {that a} results of this ilk was coming, having crushed Tottenham and Wolves however not performed significantly effectively in both, for instance.
It was a day when so many people performed poorly, however one star has are available in for particular criticism, as his below-par begin to the marketing campaign continues.
Journalist slams “surprising” Newcastle participant
Taking to X throughout the first half, Edwards did not maintain again in his negativity in direction of Newcastle ace Anthony Gordon, describing his efficiency as his worst in a Magpies shirt thus far:
In reality, the criticism aimed toward Gordon is totally honest, with the Magpies’ £45m signing completely out of types for a lot of the sport in opposition to Fulham, providing nowhere close to sufficient high quality within the remaining third.
He solely received 5 out of 11 floor duels at Craven Cottage, whereas a 75% move completion price suggests he was a bit wasteful in possession. In the meantime, his Anticipated Assists (xA) throughout his 83 minutes on the pitch was simply 0.08, highlighting an absence of creativity on present when his aspect wanted it.
Gordon, on £60,000-a-week, has made a forgettable begin to the season, particularly in comparison with his glorious 2023/24 marketing campaign, with solely one aim and nil assists to his identify in 5 appearances. He’s being outperformed by Barnes, who has netted in his final three outings, and as Edwards alludes to, his physique language appears questionable in the intervening time.
Whether or not the Englishman’s failed summer time transfer to boyhood membership Liverpool is enjoying on his thoughts stays to be seen, however he arguably would not look the happiest participant proper now, and extra performances just like the one produced in opposition to Fulham may result in Howe dropping him. Enhancements are wanted within the coming weeks, or his inventory may begin to fall.
