RabiuNewcastle Fans Demand More Premier League Starts for Anthony Gordon After Qarabağ Masterclass
Newcastle United supporters are making their voices heard loud and clear. Following Anthony Gordon’s stunning four-goal haul in the Magpies’ 6-1 demolition of Qarabağ FK in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg on Wednesday night, fans across social media and fan forums are urging manager Eddie Howe to give the England international more consistent minutes in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old winger-turned-striker delivered a performance for the ages at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku. Deployed up front alongside Nick Woltemade, Gordon netted four times before half-time – including two penalties – to dismantle the Azerbaijani champions. His clinical finishing, relentless pressing, and darting runs left Qarabağ defenders in tatters. The haul took his Champions League tally for the season to 10 goals, surpassing Alan Shearer’s club record for a single European campaign and making Gordon only the third Newcastle player to score a hat-trick in the competition’s history.
“Gordon was unplayable tonight,” one ecstatic fan posted on X shortly after the final whistle. “Four goals, Man of the Match, and he’s still coming off the bench or rotating in the league? Eddie, sort it out – he needs to start every Premier League game.”
Another supporter on the Newcastle United fan forum echoed the sentiment: “We’ve seen flashes in the PL this season, but nothing like this. If he can do that against a side fighting for the Champions League last 16, imagine what he’ll do against mid-table teams at St James’ Park. Bench time is over.”
Gordon’s European exploits contrast with his domestic role. While he has featured regularly, Howe has often rotated the forward with Harvey Barnes, Yoane Wissa, and William Osula to manage a congested fixture list. Newcastle sit comfortably in the top half of the Premier League but face a demanding run of fixtures as they balance league ambitions with European progression.
Eddie Howe was full of praise post-match, telling TNT Sports: “Anthony was outstanding. He started the press, his attitude was first-class, and he could have had more. A very good display.” The manager stopped short of promising changes but acknowledged the forward’s hunger.
Fans, however, are impatient. Hashtags like #GordonPLRegular and #StartGordon trended within hours of the victory. Many pointed out Gordon’s work rate and versatility make him ideal for the physical demands of the Premier League, where Newcastle have sometimes lacked cutting edge in attack.
With the second leg at St James’ Park next week and crucial league matches looming, the pressure is now on Howe. Supporters believe Gordon’s Champions League masterclass has earned him the right to lead the line more often in domestic action. As one fan summarised: “Europe’s hero deserves to be our league starter. No more rotation – give him the platform he’s earned.”
Whether Howe listens remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Toon Army has spoken. Anthony Gordon’s time to shine in the Premier League may finally have arrived.
Rabiu