Newcastle United’s hopes of climbing to the top of the Premier League were dashed on Saturday as they fell 3-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage. The disappointing performance prompted strong criticism from journalist Luke Edwards, who singled out one Magpies player in particular for his “shocking” display and poor body language.
### Newcastle’s Defeat at Fulham
Eddie Howe’s side went into the match knowing that a victory could have catapulted them to the top of the table, given their strong start to the 2024/25 season in terms of results. However, despite the positive results on paper, Newcastle’s performances had not always been fully convincing. Saturday’s match underscored those concerns, as they were thoroughly outplayed and handed their first league defeat of the season.
Fulham dominated the first half, racing to a 2-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes thanks to goals from Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe. Although Harvey Barnes gave Newcastle some hope by pulling a goal back immediately after the break, the Magpies were unable to mount a serious comeback. Reiss Nelson sealed the win for Fulham with a stoppage-time strike, leaving Newcastle to reflect on a poor afternoon in west London.
While Newcastle remain sixth in the Premier League standings, the result highlighted the cracks that had been forming despite wins over Tottenham and Wolves in recent weeks. Those victories, although important, came without particularly strong performances, and Saturday’s defeat may have felt inevitable to some supporters who were already concerned by the team’s level of play.
Individual Criticism: Anthony Gordon Under Fire
Many of Newcastle’s players underperformed against Fulham, but one individual has drawn particularly sharp criticism: winger Anthony Gordon. Journalist Luke Edwards took to social media during the match, calling out Gordon’s performance as his worst since joining the Magpies, going so far as to describe it as “shocking.”
Edwards’ criticism of Gordon is not without merit. The 22-year-old, who joined Newcastle in a £45 million deal, looked completely off the pace throughout the match. His lack of contribution in attack was particularly noticeable, as he failed to provide the creative spark his team needed. Gordon won just five of his 11 ground duels, while his pass completion rate of 75% was subpar, pointing to wastefulness in possession. Moreover, his Expected Assists (xA) was a mere 0.08, underscoring his lack of creativity when his team was desperate for attacking inspiration.
What made the performance even more concerning was Gordon’s body language. Edwards noted that the winger appeared disengaged, a far cry from the vibrant and determined player who had impressed in the previous season. Gordon, who earns £60,000-a-week, has struggled to replicate his form from the 2023/24 campaign, where he was a key player for Newcastle. So far this season, he has managed just one goal and no assists in five appearances, a stark contrast to the strong performances of his teammate Harvey Barnes, who has scored in his last three outings.
What’s Going Wrong for Gordon?
One possible factor in Gordon’s lackluster form is the lingering disappointment from his failed summer transfer to his boyhood club, Liverpool. The England international was heavily linked with a move to Anfield, but the transfer never materialized. Whether this is affecting his mindset remains unclear, but there is a sense that Gordon is not playing with the same enthusiasm and drive that he displayed last season.
If Gordon’s form does not improve soon, Eddie Howe may have no choice but to drop him from the starting lineup. With competition for places in the team growing, particularly with Barnes in fine form, Gordon will need to step up his game if he wants to maintain his spot. His early-season struggles are already raising concerns, and continued underperformance could see him fall down the pecking order at St. James’ Park.
A Turning Point for Newcastle?
For Newcastle, the defeat at Fulham may serve as a wake-up call. While their start to the season has been solid in terms of points, there have been underlying issues in their performances that need addressing. The team will need to regroup quickly if they are to maintain their position near the top of the Premier League and push for a Champions League spot.
As for Gordon, the next few weeks could be pivotal in determining his future at the club. With the pressure mounting, he must rediscover his form and prove that he can be a key player for Howe’s side. If he continues to struggle, Newcastle may need to reconsider their options, both in terms of team selection and future transfer plans.
In the end, while one defeat does not define a season, Newcastle’s loss at Fulham exposed weaknesses that have been present in their recent performances. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff will need to address these issues if they hope to keep the Magpies on course for a successful campaign.