Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has discussed the prospect of Anthony Gordon playing against Everton at Goodison Park on Thursday night
United of Newcastle Eddie Howe has sent Anthony Gordon a clear message ahead of his return to Everton.
The 22-year-old attacker left the Toffees for £45 million midway through last season, much to the chagrin of some Everton fans as the club faced relegation. Gordon returned to Goodison Park in April, as Newcastle won 4-1, but only appeared as a late substitute in front of a sparse home crowd.
The situation is likely to be drastically different when the two sides meet again on Thursday night. Gordon is likely to start for Howe’s team after his good recent form, and as a result, Everton fans will react much more loudly. However, the Newcastle manager has provided Gordon with a key instruction, ahead of the game.
“It’s a difficult question to answer,” Howe said during his Wednesday press conference. “I’m not sure. Anthony must be ready to accept whatever welcome he receives while remaining focused on his football. That is all he is capable of.
“When you start thinking about things outside of your control, you take your mind off what you need to control.” He must exert control over all of the factors that contribute to his best performance, as he did against Manchester United and has been doing recently.”
“It’s great to see him score goals, assist goals and look like he is enjoying his football because if a player is in that frame of mind, they are going to perform better,” he said. “That’s all he’s got to try and do – just enjoy the game.”
Meanwhile, Everton will try to keep the Finch Farm academy graduate quiet at Goodison Park. The Newcastle attacker has five goals and six assists in 13 league appearances, including the game-winning goal against Manchester United last weekend.
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