Anthony Gordon had already completed a remarkable hat-trick, yet his hunger for more goals was unmistakable. Standing inside the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium, the Newcastle United forward showed a ruthless striker’s mentality when he earned a penalty for his side during the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off clash against Qarabag. Even when Kieran Trippier suggested that Nick Woltemade could take the spot-kick, Gordon had no intention of handing over the responsibility.
That single-minded attitude instantly reminded many fans of the legendary determination once displayed by Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s iconic goalscorer. Back in 1999, after scoring four goals against Sheffield Wednesday, Shearer famously refused to relinquish a penalty when teammate Paul Robinson asked to take it. Gordon’s mindset mirrored that same relentless desire to score, which ultimately defined the night.
Fittingly, the match also saw Gordon surpass Shearer’s record as Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, reaching a tally of 10 goals in the competition. Speaking after the emphatic 6-1 triumph, Gordon emphasized that while teamwork is essential, his role as an attacker naturally drives him to seize scoring opportunities whenever possible. He made it clear that as the designated penalty taker, he is always eager to add to his goal tally and contribute decisively to the team’s success.
Qarabag’s Approach Played Into Gordon’s Strengths
In truth, Qarabag’s tactical setup seemed to suit Gordon perfectly. The Azerbaijani side had previously demonstrated resilience by earning positive results against strong European teams such as Chelsea, Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Copenhagen. However, their decision to maintain a high defensive line in the first half proved costly against a player known for his pace and intelligent movement.
With Gordon operating further forward than Nick Woltemade, Qarabag initially struggled to adapt. By the time they adjusted their defensive positioning and dropped deeper in the second half, Newcastle had already inflicted significant damage. Pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger noted his surprise at how high Qarabag defended despite Newcastle’s recent performances clearly highlighting Gordon’s threat in advanced positions.
The space left behind by the defensive line allowed Gordon to exploit gaps repeatedly. His speed, pressing, and sharp movement made him nearly impossible to contain, especially during the opening stages of the match when Newcastle were at their most aggressive.
Howe Praises Gordon’s All-Round Contribution
Manager Eddie Howe was quick to praise Gordon’s overall performance, emphasizing that his impact went far beyond the four goals he scored. According to Howe, Gordon’s pressing from the front played a crucial role in giving Newcastle the platform to control the match. His energy and work rate helped the team regain possession quickly and maintain sustained attacking pressure.
Howe also highlighted Gordon’s effectiveness in a central attacking role, pointing to previous away performances, including his goal at Anfield and a key assist against Tottenham. The manager believes that Gordon offers something unique through the middle, combining pace, intelligent positioning, and relentless pressing that disrupts opposition defenses.
A Lightning-Fast Start Sets the Tone
Gordon wasted no time making his mark on the game. Just two minutes into the match, he opened the scoring by beating the offside trap to meet Dan Burn’s precise through ball before calmly slotting his finish into the bottom corner. That early goal immediately set the tone for Newcastle’s dominant display.
After converting his first penalty to make it 3-0, Gordon continued to torment Qarabag’s defense. Moments after the restart, he capitalized on a defensive error by Kevin Medina, rounded goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski with composure, and completed his hat-trick in clinical fashion. His pace and awareness proved too much for the hosts, who struggled to recover from their early setbacks.
Although he missed a couple of chances from open play later in the match, Gordon’s determination remained evident. When Newcastle won another penalty before halftime, there was never any doubt he would take it himself. With confidence and power, he dispatched his second spot-kick past Kochalski, sealing an unforgettable personal performance.
Record-Breaking Night for the English Forward
The evening became even more historic as Gordon set multiple milestones. He became the only English player to score three or more goals in a Champions League knockout-stage match for Newcastle, further cementing his growing reputation on the European stage.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Gordon was visibly reluctant to leave the pitch when substituted midway through the second half. Former winger Pat Nevin observed that the forward looked disappointed to come off, a natural reaction for any striker in such exceptional form. While resting was the logical decision with important fixtures ahead, Gordon’s desire to keep scoring underlined his competitive mentality.
Newcastle’s Fans Make the Journey Worthwhile
The atmosphere was equally memorable for Newcastle’s travelling supporters, who made a demanding 2,500-mile journey to Azerbaijan—reportedly the longest trip undertaken by an English fan base in Champions League history. Their dedication was rewarded with a spectacular performance, and chants echoed throughout the stadium as they celebrated a dominant away victory.
As the match progressed, the fans repeatedly sang about not wanting to leave, fully aware they were witnessing a special night. The team’s commanding display on foreign soil provided a sharp contrast to recent struggles earlier in the month.
From Doubt to Momentum in Just Days
Only ten days prior, Eddie Howe had admitted he was not performing well enough after Newcastle were booed off following a tough defeat against Brentford at St James’ Park. That loss sparked internal reflection and honest discussions within the squad.
Since then, the response has been emphatic. Newcastle, who once struggled with away performances, have now secured victories against Qarabag, Aston Villa, and Tottenham in quick succession on the road. This turnaround highlights the squad’s resilience and strong mentality in high-pressure situations.
Gordon himself acknowledged the emotional nature of football, pointing out how quickly public perception can shift based on results. He stressed that overcoming recent setbacks and regaining momentum was crucial for the team’s confidence and long-term progress.
Looking Ahead With Confidence
While the emphatic win provides a strong advantage heading into the second leg, Gordon and his teammates remain focused on maintaining consistency. He emphasized that momentum in football can change rapidly, making it essential for the team to sustain their current level of performance.
Newcastle’s resurgence demonstrates both character and tactical adaptability, with Gordon’s form playing a central role in their revival. His combination of speed, clinical finishing, and relentless pressing offers a new attacking dimension that opponents are finding difficult to handle.
If he continues to deliver performances of this calibre, Gordon could become one of the defining figures in Newcastle’s European campaign. More importantly, his hunger, leadership, and unwavering desire to score embody the mentality required for success at the highest level of club football.
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