Garth Crooks has included two Newcastle United players in his Premier League team of the week, despite admitting that one of them made a ‘mistake’ on Saturday.
The Magpies picked up a dramatic three points at the weekend, coming from 3-1 down to beat West Ham United 4-3 at St James’ Park. It was one of the best comebacks the club has ever been a part of.
Harvey Barnes was the match-winner for Newcastle United, and Toon fans serenaded him after the final whistle following his decisive two goals.
But he was not the only difference maker against the Hammers on Saturday. Anthony Gordon was also at the heart of the action, setting up three of Newcastle’s four goals.
Gordon won both of the Magpies’ penalties, while it was his clever pass inside that resulted in Barnes completing a quite remarkable comeback.
It was a breathtaking display from the 23-year-old, but it certainly was not a perfect afternoon.
Garth Crooks highlights Anthony Gordon mistake against West Ham
One week after his England debut against Brazil, Gordon was dazzling once again. But he did not end the game on the pitch.
That is because the Toon winger was sent off for two yellow cards. The first was for a professional foul on Mohammed Kudus. There could be no complaints, as Gordon cynically pulled back the Ghanaian attacker. In truth, it was the only way Newcastle could stop him given how well he played.
The second was for subtly kicking the ball away in stoppage time, as Newcastle looked to hold on to their lead.
Gordon did not get away with it, and was given a second yellow card.
Garth Crooks has given his verdict on the incident for BBC Sport, after including Gordon in his team of the week.
“It’s been one hell of a week for Gordon,” he wrote.
“He played for England against Brazil in midweek only to return to the North East to preside over the thrilling 4-3 comeback win over West Ham at St James’ Park and get sent off in the process. His second yellow card was his only mistake throughout the entire match against the Hammers.”
Crooks added that Gordon was ‘smart’ in winning Newcastle’s first penalty, getting his body between man and ball as Hammers defender Vladimir Coufal clattered into the back of him.
Anthony Gordon reflects on his first Newcastle red card
The second penalty was a bit more controversial, but I do not think there can be any arguments over the red card – the first of his Newcastle United career. While Gordon hardly leathered the ball out of the ground, it was obvious what he was doing.
However, Gordon has spoke to Newcastle World about the red card and it is clear that he disagrees with the decision.
“I tapped the ball away,“ he said.
“How far you want to look into that… it’s incredible really.
“To get sent off for tapping a ball five yards. To be honest with you, I only think he booked me because he didn’t know he’d booked me before. That’s not good enough to be honest with you.
“I don’t want to complain about referees because they have a job to do. They are the rules so he’s sticking to the rules and laws of the game but it’s ridiculous really.”
Gordon will now miss Newcastle vs Everton on Tuesday
Gordon is not happy with the decision, and it will now mean that he misses the game against his former club Everton on Tuesday night.
That will be really disappointing for the Scouser, considering the treatment he got at Goodison Park when Newcastle went there earlier this season.
The suspension means that Eddie Howe will be forced into a change, with Harvey Barnes likely to come into the starting XI. He was the other Toon player in Crooks’ team of the week, and the 26-year-old will be full of confidence after his beautiful brace versus West Ham.
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