Anthony Gordon left with egg on his face after comments before Everton penalty nightmare
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon scored a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City but failed from the spot against former club Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday
by Tom Victor · The MirrorNewcastle star Anthony Gordon saw a poor penalty saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, just one week after talking up his confidence from the spot.
Gordon won and then scored a penalty in Newcastle's last home game to earn a point against Manchester City. He had another chance to net from 12 yards on Saturday evening when referee Craig Pawson awarded Eddie Howe's team a spot-kick at Goodison Park.
Pawson's decision came after a long VAR check, with James Tarkowski ruled to have thrown Sandro Tonali to the ground. Tarkowski earned a reprieve, though, with Pickford saving easily from his England team-mate Gordon.
Everton's fans appeared to enjoy the miss from their former player, who moved to Newcastle in a £45m deal in January 2023. The 23-year-old started up front again in the absence of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, but was left eating his words after giving such a bold account of his abilities seven days earlier.
"I practice a lot," Gordon told Match of the Day after the City game. "I think coming through the ranks with the England youth teams, the FA brought in a process for penalties so now I have my own process which means basically nothing else matters in that moment except my process. I take the penalty on my terms, my time and I feel really confident taking them.
"I focus on what is important. Get your process, get what works for you and take it when you're ready, not when the goalkeeper is ready of course. I do a lot of breathing techniques to zone out and focus on the ball."
Both of Gordon's previous goals this season had come in 1-1 draws, at home to City and away at Bournemouth. Pickford stopped him adding a third of the campaign at the ground the winger used to call home.
Should Anthony Gordon take Newcastle's next penalty? Have your say in the comments section
Before the game, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe spoke about Gordon's experience of returning to the club where he made his professional debut. The Liverpool-born star scored seven times in 78 outings for the Toffees before moving north.
"Having been back there twice, this will be his third time and I think each time, it's been slightly easier for Anthony but, still, he'll be emotional," Howe told reporters. "He's human and I think there'll be lot of things going through him as he plays the game.
"I thought he was excellent last week [against Manchester City], leading the line for us really well on and off the ball. It was a really important performance but you need your vocal point in attack to deliver certain aspects that helps the team."
Howe also said he hoped strikers Isak and Wilson would be in contention to feature in Newcastle's next game. They're back at home after the international break, welcoming Brighton to St James' Park on October 19.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.