Newcastle's season performances before their recent matchday had been hardly convincing, but the way they have recollected themselves against Manchester City is commendable. Going 1-0 down minutes before the first half, the Magpies club came stronger in the second one to pull off an important point against Pep's side.
Newcastle boss Howe believes the 23-year-old star is getting back to his best
Not only was the fixture crucial for providing a morale boost to the club but rather it helped many big names get back to their form. Be it Club Captain Bruno Guimaraes, who looked much improved than before, or Joelinton, who gave a brilliant performance after the season opener, or Anthony Gordon, who scored the equalizer after winning the penalty, for the club.
Speaking about the fixture, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe seemed very pleased with Anthony Gordon, who, with his display, helped them get an important equalizer. The 23-year-old conventional winger, starting in Isak's place, produced a moment of magic as he dribbled past Ederson in a 1-on-1 situation, forcing the keeper to concede a penalty. As expected, Gordon made no mistake, sending Ederson to the other side, making it 1-1 in the 58th minute.
Mentioning about the star's performance in the post-match media address, Howe said,
"“I thought the work he got through was really impressive. His big long-distance runs proved he’s getting back to his very best in terms of fitness levels, so I was really pleased with him.”"Eddie Howe
From Newcastle's perspective, what has been one of the best outcomes from the fixture is that Gordon seems to be clicking on the forward role now. Not to forget, in the game against Fulham or in the club's 2-1 comeback win against Wolves, the Englishman had looked rather off when put out of his conventional left-wing role, but his display against Manchester City shows he is getting accustomed to the new role.
Overall, with the club's star forward, Anthony Gordon, showing signs of returning to his best, things seem to be moving in Newcastle's favor. Newcastle fans would hope that the 23-year-old maintains his form for the season ahead, as several important fixtures stand scheduled along the club's way.