Anthony Gordon unable to demand Newcastle place back off Harvey Barnes - 'I can't'

19/04/2025 10:45

Anthony Gordon has been sent a warning about reclaiming his place in the Newcastle United starting XI following the form of Harvey Barnes.

The winger had initially been well established as the first-choice option for the Magpies this season in what is his second campaign at St James’ Park.

But after Gordon was sent off for Newcastle in their FA Cup defeat to Brighton last month, the 24-year-old found himself serving a three-match ban.

That saw him miss his side’s League Cup final win, and even since his ban ended, the winger is yet to return to the lineup for his side.

Now, Tim Sherwood has suggested it may be some time yet before Gordon is able to get back into the side as well.

Harvey Barnes usurps Anthony Gordon

While Gordon was suspended, Barnes stepped into the left-wing role for Eddie Howe‘s side, where he has made a significant impact.

Barnes has received plenty of praise for his performances for Newcastle since replacing Gordon in the wake of the latter’s suspension.

The former Leicester winger has started all six games the Magpies have played since his fellow winger was sent off against Brighton.

In that time, Barnes has scored four goals and provided two assists for his side, not only helping them win that League Cup, but also climb to third in the Premier League table.

As a result, Sherwood believes Gordon can have no complaints about the fact he is not starting for Newcastle even though his ban is over, but is impressed that the 24-year-old seems well aware of that.

After being asked on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday how big a fight the former Everton man faces to get back into the Magpies’ side, the former Aston Villa and Tottenham manager said (19 April, 2.17pm):

“A hell of a fight. It’s brilliant but it just shows you what unity they have in that squad. Gordon’s made a mistake, he’s got his suspension, this man’s [Barnes] come into the team and he’s keeping him out.

“I saw him come for him the other night and he gave him a cuddle at the side of the pitch. There’s real team spirit.

“He’s almost accepting the fact that ‘He’s gone in there, he’s done his job, I can’t be knocking the door down with the manager’.”

Newcastle United have a welcome selection headache

Football Insider Verdict

The selection dilemma on the left-wing could become difficult for Newcastle, given both Gordon and Barnes are easily good enough to be starting on a weekly basis.

Next season though, they are guaranteed to be playing at least in the Conference League after winning the League Cup, but are still chasing Champions League qualification.

Either way, they will be playing in Europe next season, and so will have a much heavier fixture schedule to manage.

At that point it will be good for them to have both Barnes and Gordon at their disposal, ensuring they can rotate between two quality players as they manage the demands of multiple competitions.

It is also worth noting that there had previously been speculation Barnes could leave Newcastle in the January trasfer window after a lack of game time.

As a result, this is a remarkable turnaround from the 27-year-old that he surely deserves plenty of credit for.

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