Anthony Gordon has never been one to shy away from difficult opponents, but even he admitted that his latest experience on the pitch felt unlike anything he had faced before.
“We are not used to playing against players who keep the ball in this way,” the Newcastle winger said. “We faced Chelsea and Manchester City before, but they were never like this.”
Gordon’s words underline just how unusual and demanding the challenge was. While Newcastle have faced some of the Premier League’s top possession-based teams, he suggested that this particular opponent operated on another level, forcing him and his teammates into uncomfortable territory.
For a player known for his relentless energy and ability to stretch defenses, the frustration was clear. Newcastle, who thrive in transitions and pressing high, were made to chase shadows, with their usual rhythm disrupted.
Gordon’s candid reflection highlights how certain styles of play can unsettle even the most prepared teams. Chelsea and City may be renowned for their passing and dominance of the ball, but in his eyes, this test demanded a different kind of focus—one that drained both physically and mentally.
In moments like these, Gordon’s honesty offers a glimpse behind the scenes: even the most confident Premier League players are occasionally forced into situations where the game feels unfamiliar. And for Newcastle, it was a reminder that there are always new challenges waiting, no matter how muc
