Anthony Gordon hailed by pundits after ‘making a big difference’ on Newcastle debut

Anthony Gordon is hailed by pundits after making his Newcastle debut off the bench against West Ham… with club icon Shay Given insisting the £45m winger ‘made a big difference’

Anthony Gordon’s performance was praised by pundits after the winger made his Newcastle debut on Saturday.

The 21-year-old winger completed a £45million move from boyhood club Everton in the closing days of the January transfer window.

And after making his Magpies bow in a 1-1 draw against West Ham at St James’ Park at the weekend, club icon Shay Given hailed his impact after a bright 20-minute cameo. 

He said: ‘There’s a lot of excitement around the city – but West Ham deserve credit. Anthony Gordon made a big difference when he came off the bench. 

‘Not to lose the game is important. It’s a little bit down after the high of the other night but it’s a point on the board.’

Pundits hailed Anthony Gordon’s performance as he made his Newcastle debut on Saturday

The £45million winger looked bright in a 25-minute cameo against West Ham at St James' Park

The £45million winger looked bright in a 25-minute cameo against West Ham at St James’ Park

And club icon Shay Given (pictured above) praised the instant impact the 21-year-old provided

And club icon Shay Given (pictured above) praised the instant impact the 21-year-old provided

Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp added: ‘Gordon showed what he was about, he gave them something different. (wideman Allan) Saint-Maximin struggled. They missed (midfielder Bruno) Guimaraes.’

‘If West Ham carry on like that they’ll get a lot of wins. In midfield Paqueta and Rice were exceptional. West Ham looked really good going forwards. It will feel like a bit of a loss for Newcastle after what was such a big week.’

The point leaves Eddie Howe’s side in fourth, four points clear of Tottenham in the race to finish in the Champions League places, while West Ham – currently in 16th – move a point clear of the relegation zone.

Next up, the Magpies travel to relegation-threatened Bournemouth. 

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