Anthony Gordon Fires Dig at Everton as Newcastle Struggler Seeks Motivation Ahead of Season Finale
Anthony Gordon has rekindled tensions with his old club Everton by claiming that the Merseyside outfit provides the “right motivation” for Newcastle United’s final Premier League match this Sunday.
The 23-year-old winger, who departed Everton amid controversy in January 2023, has had a tumultuous time at St. James’ Park. Despite spurts of brilliance, Gordon has struggled to establish himself as a permanent starter for Eddie Howe. However, the final-day match against his boyhood team seemed to have sparked a fire inside him.
Speaking to media this week, Gordon did not shy away from discussing the fixture’s emotional significance. “It’s not just another game for me,” he said. “Facing Everton reminds me of where I came from—and why I left. That is all the incentive I need.”
Gordon’s departure from Everton attracted criticism from Toffees fans, who saw it as a betrayal during a difficult period for the team. The winger was regarded as a product of Everton’s academy system, and his unexpected transfer to a rival Premier League club left many fans disappointed.
Gordon has shown promise since joining Newcastle, making key contributions in domestic and European competitions. However, his development has been inconsistent, prompting some to label him a “struggler” in a Magpies squad that has also struggled to achieve lofty expectations this season.
Newcastle, who have struggled with inconsistency and injury, are currently outside the European qualification slots heading into the last weekend. A victory over Everton may be a morale booster—and possibly a lifeline in the race for continental football.
Gordon sees the match as a chance for personal forgiveness and a platform to prove his naysayers wrong. “It’s not about proving anything to Everton fans,” he told reporters. “It’s about proving to myself—and to this club—that I can be a big-game player.
“The setting is set for a tumultuous climax to the season, with both clubs hoping to finish on a high note. It remains to be seen whether Gordon can rise to the occasion and use his past to his advantage—but one thing is certain: the incentive is personal.
