Newcastle United return to St James’ Park.
After what seemed like an age, Newcastle finally returned to their home ground on Friday night to play their penultimate pre-season game before kicking off their Premier League campaign at home to Southampton.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side – who traveled all the way to Japan in pre-season – put on a show for their fans as they beat Girona 4-0.
While it would be foolish to take too much away from the friendly, it is worth noting that La Liga finished third last season and will be playing in the Champions League this time around.
Sean Longstaff had a double-double, while Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon also scored.
Gordon’s comeback was remarkable. He was reportedly tempted by the idea of ​​a move to the Liverpool club when talks took place amid maddened pressure to avoid a PSR-imposed ban, so it was good to see him back on Tyneside.
As you can imagine, Murphy was thrilled.
Jacob Murphy reacts as Anthony Gordon returns to Newcastle
After 45 minutes of play, Gordon wrote on Instagram: “Back on the grass.”
Murphy then replied, “I missed you Gordy.”
Anthony Gordon could be heading for a new contract with Newcastle
Gordon can’t be blamed for being tempted by the prospect of joining Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy in his hometown, especially if Newcastle are considering selling him – albeit reluctantly.
That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s unhappy on Tyneside, though.
After his brilliance last season, a new contract always seemed justified. Now he and his agents are in a pretty strong position to demand more from the club ahead of the planned talks between them.
Gordon deserves a new contract regardless of his Liverpool links.
Now he’s back at St James’, let’s make sure he stays here.