Newcastle Star Anthony Gordon Delivers Scathing Assessment of Premier League Football Style
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has offered a brutally honest critique of the current state of English top-flight football, drawing a stark contrast between the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. The English international's comments have sparked widespread discussion about the evolving nature of the game at the highest levels.
'It's Like a Basketball Game Sometimes' - Gordon's Premier League Verdict
In a revealing pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle's crucial Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Gordon didn't hold back when describing the Premier League's contemporary style. 'I think in the Premier League, it's become more physical than I've ever known it to be,' Gordon stated emphatically. 'It's like a basketball game sometimes; it's so relentless physically.'
The 24-year-old winger elaborated on his basketball analogy, explaining that the English domestic competition has transformed into what he characterized as a 'running game' with minimal control. 'There is not much control, it's a running game, and sometimes it's about duels: who wins the duels, wins the game,' Gordon observed. He specifically pointed to the increasing reliance on long throw-ins and set-pieces as evidence of this shift toward a more physical, less fluid style of play.
Champions League Praised for 'Proper Football' Approach
Gordon's assessment took a markedly different tone when discussing European football's premier club competition. The Newcastle forward expressed clear admiration for the Champions League's more traditional approach to the beautiful game. 'The Champions League is a bit more of an older style of game, it's a bit more football-based,' he noted with appreciation.
According to Gordon, the continental competition encourages teams to play what he considers 'proper football' with greater tactical sophistication. 'Teams come and try to play proper football,' he emphasized, highlighting the contrast with what he perceives as the Premier League's increasingly physical and set-piece oriented methodology. His comments suggest a preference for the technical, possession-based football more commonly associated with European competitions.
Newcastle's Injury Concerns Ahead of PSG Clash
Gordon's philosophical observations about football styles came amidst practical concerns for Newcastle United's upcoming European fixture. The Magpies will be without influential midfielder Joelinton for their crucial match against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed the Brazilian's absence, revealing that Joelinton sustained a groin injury during Newcastle's recent Premier League match against Aston Villa.
'Joe won't make the game, he has had a scan,' Howe stated during his pre-match news conference. 'We don't think it is a bad injury, but we think he will be out for a few weeks.' This represents a significant blow to Newcastle's midfield options as they prepare to face one of Europe's most formidable sides.
Bruno Guimarães' Fitness Race and Tactical Implications
Newcastle's preparations have been further complicated by uncertainty surrounding captain Bruno Guimarães' availability. The Brazilian midfielder, who was rested for the Aston Villa match after sustaining an ankle injury during Newcastle's 3-0 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven, traveled with the squad to Paris but remains a fitness doubt.
Howe addressed the situation with cautious optimism, stating: 'We'll know more in the next few hours. I think we have to learn to play when he (Bruno) is not available.' This comment suggests the Newcastle manager is preparing contingency plans should his captain fail to pass the necessary fitness tests ahead of the crucial encounter.
High Stakes in Paris for Newcastle's European Campaign
The context of Gordon's comments adds particular significance to Newcastle's upcoming match. Both Newcastle and PSG currently sit level on 13 points in the Champions League league phase table, with the Magpies occupying seventh position and their French opponents in sixth. With only the top eight teams advancing directly to the knockout stages, and positions nine through twenty-four facing a challenging two-legged playoff, victory at Parc des Princes could prove decisive for Newcastle's European aspirations.
Gordon's critique of Premier League football style comes at a time when English clubs continue to dominate European competitions financially, yet face increasing questions about the aesthetic quality of their domestic product. His comparison to basketball represents one of the most vivid criticisms yet from an active Premier League player about the direction of English football, while his praise for the Champions League highlights the enduring appeal of traditional football values at the continental level.
