Everton will face Newcastle United later tonight, in a match that has developed into something of a bitter rivalry in recent years.
That already-declining relationship was further soured when, despite his boyhood club battling the drop, Anthony Gordon jumped ship in favour of a move to St James’ Park.
Whilst his career has since thrived, thus justifying the move, his conduct after leaving has hardly been sympathetic. As such, Evertonians have developed quite a passionate disdain for the winger.
His comments about tonight’s game are unlikely to build any bridges either…
Anthony Gordon predicts Newcastle United vs Everton
Previewing the clash against his old side, whom he will have faced four times since leaving in January 2023, the youngster was unsurprisingly arrogant in his assessment.
However, such perceived confidence was directed towards his teammates as, due to his late yellow card at the weekend, he will be ruled out of tonight’s clash.
So, forced to watch his side try and further condemn his former employers to the drop, Gordon will be praying that he is not embarrassed in a similar fashion to his last trip to Goodison Park.
He would note, on the match later today: ‘Massive game, back-to-back wins are going to be important. Obviously playing my old club I feel like I’m in a good place and I’m in good form I don’t want to miss any games but that game specifically I wanted to play in.
‘Confident we’ll still win the game anyway.’
Sean Dyche has one less danger to worry about
Due to his two yellow cards against West Ham United, the Magpies have seen their absentees increase further with Gordon forced to watch from the sidelines.
And whilst it is a welcome sight, to see someone of his quality out of the opposition’s team, his performance at Goodison Park might actually have Sean Dyche wishing he was in the starting side.
After all, the 23-year-old saw two golden chances spurned, with his anonymous showing a delightful sight for the home crowd.
Few could have predicted such a fine result that night, and the hope is that such surprise can be replicated again later today at St James’ Park.
To be without Gordon is undoubtedly a blow though, given the form he has posted since moving up north.
In fact, this season alone has seen him score nine and assist a further seven, surpassing both Everton’s top scorer and top assister. It is one less danger for Dyche to worry about, but not the only one that the hosts will possess.