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With the inspired form of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon coming off the back of a hugely successful campaign, a difficult but healthy dilemma has presented itself to Eddie Howe.
Both arguably deserve the starting spot on the left hand side of the front three, but who should be rewarded with it?
When Gordon was signed back in January of 2023, the idea was that he could provide an option across the front line. This is after being utilised at both left and right-wing for Everton, with the versatility he possesses being a key factor behind his arrival on Tyneside. Barnes, however, was brought in with the clear plan to deploy solely on the left. He has exclusively started at left wing for both his former employers, Leicester City and here at Newcastle, with the stats showing exactly why.
Barnes’ showed his compatibility with the position after he recorded 0.57 goals per 90 last season, the third-best at the club behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. He also managed to record an average of 0.91 goal contributions per 90. This is very impressive considering the limited minutes he received after a torrid time with injuries and Gordon’s immense form keeping him out of the starting XI. This meant he was restricted to substitute appearances for a lot his first campaign at the club, where he still found a way to shine.
The most notable involvements being his inspired cameo at home to West Ham where he played a huge role in overturning the 3-1 deficit, scoring two beautiful goals to give us a memorable 4-3 win at St James’.
On Gordon’s form last season, it’s clear to see why he’ll want that left-sided role after 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League came from what appears to be his preferred position now for club and country. It’s becomes apparent that this is not only his favourite position, but the one that gets the best out of him based on his skillset, with that mazy run at Wolves that almost ended in a goal of the season contender proof of…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/09/18/the-harvey-barnes-problem/
Author : Thomas Hammond
Publish date : 2024-09-18 15:58:46
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