Eddie Howe hails Anthony Gordon as Newcastle cruise to dominant Champions League victory

• Gordon scores four times as Newcastle claim 6-1 knockout victory
• Howe praises striker leadership and off ball work in dominant display
• Nick Woltemade also earns acclaim after influential midfield performance

Eddie Howe paid glowing tribute to Anthony Gordon after the forward delivered a stunning four-goal performance to inspire Newcastle United to a commanding 6-1 victory over Qarabag in the Champions League.

The Magpies were playing competitive football in Azerbaijan for the first time and making their debut appearance in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition. Any nerves were quickly settled as Newcastle produced one of the finest European displays in their modern history.

Gordon opened the scoring inside three minutes after racing onto Dan Burn’s perfectly weighted through ball before finishing calmly. Malick Thiaw doubled the advantage moments later with a powerful header from Kieran Trippier’s cross, before Gordon took centre stage.

The England international converted two penalties either side of a composed solo finish to complete a devastating first half, sending Newcastle into the break with a commanding five goal lead. In the process, Gordon overtook Alan Shearer to become the club’s leading Champions League scorer in a single campaign, reaching 10 goals, five of which have come from the spot.

Howe was quick to highlight Gordon’s work rate and leadership, particularly in setting the tone for Newcastle’s pressing game.

“He was really, really good in that first half,” Howe told TNT Sports. “I think he started the press. A number of his goals came from his attitude off the ball. I am really pleased with his first goal as well because that was a key moment. It was a really good finish. He could have had more, but it was a very good display.”

Once again trusted to lead the line, Gordon was supported by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, with Yoane Wissa sidelined through injury. Nick Woltemade, who had impressed in a deeper role against Aston Villa at the weekend, again operated in midfield and caught his manager’s eye.

“I thought Nick was really good today,” Howe added. “Off the ball he was excellent tactically and really understood what was asked of him. He was very reliable in possession and handled some awkward situations well. He has creative flair that we need in that position and he can be very pleased with his day.”

Jacob Murphy added Newcastle’s sixth goal shortly after coming off the bench, while late on Howe handed a competitive debut to Sean Neave, who has previously featured only in matchday squads and had collected a Carabao Cup winners medal without playing.

The emphatic victory leaves Newcastle firmly in control of the tie ahead of the second leg at St James’ Park, with Gordon’s performance standing as a landmark moment in the club’s European history.