When Anthony Gordon recently visited the barber, Newcastle United’s online fan base was abuzz with anticipation. The excitement was sparked by the hope that his new haircut might break a year-long goal drought since his last Premier League strike from open play — possibly coinciding with his last haircut. Fans were eager for this fresh look to inspire a fresh performance.

However, during Sunday’s match against Wolves, Gordon fell short of the sharpness his new hairstyle suggested. He endured his 31st consecutive top-flight match without finding the net from open play. Substituted in the 67th minute, Gordon left the field without registering any shots or touches inside the penalty area.

This season, there have been times when Gordon has performed admirably without seeing the scoreboard reflect his efforts. Unfortunately, this match was not one of those instances. Newcastle desperately needed a spark, but neither Gordon nor his fellow attackers could ignite the offense, resulting in a disappointing 0-0 draw against the league’s bottom team.

While it’s easy to judge based on a single game or short series of results, such assessments often focus narrowly on statistics like goals and assists. This approach can be overly reactive and lacks depth.

Yet, when evaluating a full year of play, patterns emerge that require attention, especially considering Gordon’s past capabilities. During the 2023-24 season, he notched 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, earning the title of Newcastle’s Player of the Season. This history of strong performance adds to fans’ frustration, particularly when their team is in dire need of goals, and Gordon’s once-reliable form seems to have stalled.

Anthony Gordon sports his new sharper trim ahead of Sunday’s clash with Wolves – but there was still no cutting edge to his play

Gordon has not scored a Premier League goal for Newcastle from open play since January 2025

Recently, fans have questioned Gordon’s continued selection, advocating for Harvey Barnes to occupy the left-wing position instead. Barnes, who has scored 11 times this season, is currently playing on the right. His success highlights a broader issue with Newcastle’s wing players under Eddie Howe’s management — Jacob Murphy has netted just two goals in 25 appearances, and Anthony Elanga has yet to score in 27 matches.

Yet, I understand why Howe continues to start Gordon, and to do so where the player is most comfortable. If Newcastle are to be the team the head coach wants them to be, they need Gordon in it. 

His ceiling for tone-setting energy and front-foot aggression is higher than any of his wide peers, and he compensates more than the others for the stylistic shift between Nick Woltemade and Alexander Isak. Howe sees his players every day and there is a reason his best XI has Gordon in it, just like England boss Thomas Tuchel.

Those close to the 24-year-old insist there is no concern over where his head is at, either, unlike last season in the wake of a move to Liverpool that collapsed amid Newcastle’s PSR peril. Sources insist that irritation – the club had floated his sale – has long since been soothed. 

There is also no substance to recent reports of January interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. Gordon is focused on Newcastle and, this is no bad thing for his club, a World Cup in five months’ time.

‘He wants to play well and score goals, he’s determined to do that every time he plays,’ said one source. ‘There is no issue over happiness or attitude or application. Maybe his confidence is lacking a little bit, but that can change with one game or one goal.’

This has been the message on Gordon all season. He has scored eight times, six of them penalties including both of his league goals. The penalties are still big moments, I was reminded this week. 

That is fair, and Gordon has dedicated hours to a technique that boasts a 100 per cent record. It is also fair to point to his availability during a relentless schedule – only three team-mates have started more games this season. But consistency of availability has not translated to consistency of performance. In short, there has been some good, some not so good. For a player who wants to be considered elite, ‘some’ is not nearly enough.

Gordon has dedicated hours to his penalty-taking technique and boasts a 100 per cent record this season

Recently there has been too much meandering infield from Gordon, too much caution and too little invention

Toon boss Eddie Howe sees his players every day and there is a reason his best XI has Gordon in it, just like England boss Thomas Tuchel

At his best, Gordon inspires his own team-mates and unsettles the opposition, a nuisance who can set the standard for the collective with an early dribble or tackle. Newcastle’s biggest and best nights under Howe have often been defined by Gordon’s intensity.

Recently, though, there has been too much meandering infield, too much caution and too little invention. He is better than he has shown, even though there have been halves or periods of high impact. During the first half of December’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea, he was a menace. It is why Howe starts him, the belief that at his best he is better than the rest.

But there is also a reason why Gordon has been brought off in 13 of his 15 league starts. Look at his 23-24 involvement, and there were 26 full games. This season, he has faded in too many after purposeful openings. It does, though, prove the point – the intent is there, the execution less so.    

The new hairdo Gordon sees in the mirror he might like, but if he’s being honest, the player beneath it does not, right now, reflect his sharpest cut.