Five things learned as Anthony Gordon makes statement in Newcastle United vs Atletico Madrid

Anthony Gordon’s remarks during Newcastle United vs. Atletico Madrid teach us five things.

 

Unquestionably, Saturday’s game was the Magpies’ most important preseason test. Following a strong first half in which both teams squandered excellent chances, there was optimism that a victory was imminent and that the Sela Cup would return to Tyneside for a third consecutive year.

 

Anthony Elanga made his first appearance at St. James’ Park after joining from Nottingham Forest last month as part of Eddie Howe’s revamped Newcastle United squad. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon filled in as a striker in place of Alexander Isak, who is still searching for a move away from Newcastle, and defender Harrison Ashby made a rare appearance as a starter, playing as a midfielder for the match. With the first Premier League match against Aston Villa approaching, Newcastle’s fairly dreary preseason comes to a close with the match against Atletico Madrid. These are five things that the Atletico friendly taught us.
Isak has been replaced in training by other players because Howe is not yet ready to bring him back. Although Isak has been replaced by William Osula throughout preseason, Gordon was given the opportunity to start up forward for the Magpies. The 24-year-old played well as a striker, and Atletico’s defence struggled to keep up with his quickness. But late in the game, Gordon went down with a hamstring injury, which was disastrous. Although he managed to stand up and walk down the tunnel by himself, it is hoped that the issue is not too significant.

Although many top tier defences will undoubtedly be concerned about playing against a front three with so much speed, Newcastle is hoping to add Yoane Wissa, a proven Premier League goal scorer. Howe has obviously been giving his team the same instructions, even though Newcastle’s starting lineups have featured a mix of fringe players and consistent starters. The Magpies have a reputation for employing their quick attackers on the counter and pushing when off the ball. Throughout the Atletico game, Elanga looked quick, demonstrating that motto.

Throughout the Sela Weekender, Newcastle has shown excellent pressing. Jacob Murphy found the back of the goal as they broke Espanyol down by pressing from the front, showcasing their best play. Joe Willock, one of Newcastle’s backup alternatives, sustained an injury this summer that will keep him out until September, while the team sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United. Willock would have played in one of the two games this weekend, but Harrison Ashby and Matt Targett were substituted as centre midfielders due to his calf injury.