Howe must drop Newcastle dud who made just 9 passes

Newcastle United delivered one of their most significant results of the season with a hard-fought victory over Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge, a win that could prove crucial in the club’s push for European qualification next season.

It has been a demanding and often inconsistent campaign for Eddie Howe and his squad, but the performance in west London highlighted the character and resilience within the team. Just days after their intense midweek clash with FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, the Magpies once again showed grit and determination. This time, however, they managed to see the job through, holding firm defensively and leaving the capital with a valuable clean sheet and three points.

The decisive moment came courtesy of Anthony Gordon, whose goal ensured Newcastle claimed all the spoils. The winger’s recent run of form has been a much-needed boost both for his own confidence and for the team’s attacking output. His resurgence could play a pivotal role in shaping the remainder of Newcastle’s season.

Gordon beginning to rediscover his best form

Gordon has been a somewhat polarising figure among Newcastle supporters throughout the campaign. While flashes of quality have always been present, his overall contributions earlier in the season were occasionally criticised as inconsistent. His strike at Stamford Bridge marked only his fifth goal in the Premier League this season, a modest return compared to expectations.

However, the England international appears to be finding his rhythm at a crucial moment. Since the end of January, Gordon has scored three league goals and looks far closer to the player who was named Newcastle’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 campaign. Back then, he was widely regarded as one of the team’s most influential performers during a challenging season.

Against Chelsea, Gordon delivered a performance that went beyond just scoring the winning goal. Deployed by Howe as a makeshift centre-forward, he was relentless in his pressing and physical battles, proving extremely difficult for Chelsea’s defenders to handle. His work rate stood out in particular, winning all eight of his ground duels and consistently disrupting the hosts’ attempts to build from the back.

Howe’s decision to use Gordon through the middle has produced mixed outcomes this season, but on this occasion the tactical move paid off perfectly. Gordon’s speed, aggression and willingness to press allowed Newcastle to unsettle Chelsea and maintain a strong defensive shape when out of possession.

The challenge now is for Gordon to maintain this level of performance. Over the past year and a half, bursts of strong form have sometimes been followed by frustrating dips. If he can sustain this upward trajectory, he could become one of the most decisive players in Newcastle’s push for a top-four or European finish.

With several attacking options struggling to produce consistently, Gordon’s contribution may prove vital in the final stretch of the season.

Howe facing a difficult decision over Woltemade

While Gordon’s display stood out as a major positive, not every Newcastle player enjoyed the same level of success at Stamford Bridge. One of the more concerning performances came from Nick Woltemade, the club’s high-profile £69 million signing from VfB Stuttgart last summer.

The German forward arrived on Tyneside with a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. Early in the season he showed glimpses of that potential, producing some impressive attacking displays and suggesting he could quickly become a key figure in Howe’s system.

However, his form has dipped noticeably in recent months. After struggling to maintain his impact as a central striker, Woltemade has recently been used in a more withdrawn attacking role behind the main forward line. The adjustment has yet to deliver the expected results.

Some observers have been critical of his performances, with one scout describing him as a “passenger” and suggesting his playing style does not perfectly suit Howe’s high-intensity tactical approach. His display against Everton FC earlier in the season drew particular criticism, and the issues have persisted.

At Stamford Bridge, Woltemade struggled to influence the game, especially when compared with Gordon’s relentless energy and determination. The German forward is now enduring a run of 12 Premier League matches without scoring, raising questions about how best to use him in the team.

Although Woltemade possesses creativity and technical quality, his current role as a hybrid attacking midfielder or second striker does not appear to be bringing out the best in him. The position demands constant movement, pressing and defensive contribution—areas where Gordon clearly outperformed him during the victory over Chelsea.

There is still belief within Newcastle that Woltemade has the talent to become a major player at St James’ Park. Some may even view him as a potential long-term tactical project, similar to how Joelinton was successfully reinvented in a deeper role earlier in his Newcastle career. But at present, the experiment has not produced the same dramatic transformation.

With attacking alternatives such as Yoane Wissa also competing for a place up front, Howe may need to make a tough decision and temporarily leave the club-record signing out of the starting lineup.

That could mean Woltemade starting from the bench for Newcastle’s upcoming crucial fixtures, including their second-leg clash with Barcelona and the fiercely anticipated derby against Sunderland AFC.

For Newcastle, maintaining momentum will be essential during the decisive months of the season. The team finally appears to be building some cohesion and defensive stability, and Howe will be eager to preserve that balance as they continue their push for European football.

Woltemade’s long-term potential remains undeniable, but for now, Newcastle may need to rely on the players currently delivering results—none more so than Gordon, whose timely return to form could shape the Magpies’ season.