Everton academy graduate Anthony Gordon gave his hometown club some happy moments wearing royal blue but nothing to match the jubilation he created at Goodison on Saturday by missing a penalty for Newcastle.
Already public enemy No 1 for the acrimonious way he left Merseyside in 2023, the roars that greeted his spot-kick being saved by Jordan Pickford were ear-splitting.
Despite the controversial decision, Everton and Pickford had the last laugh as the England goalkeeper denied his former teammate.
Gordon’s missed penalty came just a week after he confidently discussed his spot-kick technique.
Following a successful penalty against Manchester City, he told Match of the Day: “I practice a lot. I think coming through the ranks with the England youth teams, the FA brought in a process for penalties so now I have my own process which means basically nothing else matters in that moment except my process.”
The winger’s bold words now seem premature, as his poor execution at Goodison Park left him with egg on his face.
His previous assertion that he feels “really confident” taking penalties was not reflected in his performance against Everton.The incident highlighted the intense emotions surrounding Gordon’s return to Merseyside, where he had previously made 78 appearances for Everton.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had anticipated the emotional nature of Gordon’s return to Goodison Park.
Speaking before the match, Howe said: “Having been back there twice, this will be his third time and I think each time, it’s been slightly easier for Anthony but, still, he’ll be emotional.”Howe had praised Gordon’s recent performance against Manchester City, stating: “I thought he was excellent last week, leading the line for us really well on and off the ball.”
The manager also expressed hope that strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson would be available for Newcastle’s next fixture against Crystal Palace on 19 October, following the international break.