Alan Shearer has accused Anthony Gordon of going down too easily to win the penalty he scored for Newcastle against Manchester City. The Magpies held the reigning Premier League champions to a draw, with Gordon finding the equaliser from the spot.
Josko Gvardiol fired City ahead in the first half before Newcastle got themselves back into the match after the break. Gordon levelled up from 12 yards after he was brought down by Ederson while storming through on goal.
Shearer, who rarely hides his Newcastle loyalties, was not impressed with how easily Gordon went down under the challenge of Ederson and made his feelings known.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former England striker said: “I’m delighted it was a penalty but I don’t think it was a penalty. Gordon’s gone down because of the poor touch, he’s not getting anywhere near that ball.
“That touch to go past Ederson, he realises it’s going too far away from him. Watch his right boot, he flicks it out to get the contact. I think Newcastle got really lucky there. I didn’t think it was a penalty at all. His touch was awful.
“Once he knows he can’t get it, his second thought is: ‘Right, how do I try and turn this into a penalty?’. He’s not getting that ball, there’s no doubt about it. He’s not getting the ball.
“He might get to it before it goes out, but not to put it in the goal, so he tries to turn it into a penalty and flicks his right foot out. So many players do it. We’ll see another 15 players do that this season.
“If there’s any contact from Ederson, it’s minimal and because Gordon tries to get the touch because he knows he’s not getting the ball. I’m sitting here as a Newcastle fan and an ex-Newcastle player, I don’t think that’s a penalty.”
It was reported earlier this week that Gordon had agreed a new contract at Newcastle and his goal left the home fans delighted as they held City to a draw. Magpies boss Eddie Howe singled out the winger, who was playing as a striker, for special praise in his post-match interview.
“I’ve said he is capable of doing the role,” said Howe. “The highlight for me today was his energy and his running. He led the line really well and really pleased that he got his goal. Well deserved.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk