Howe’s Newcastle show European swagger but may need a style switch

Anthony Gordon’s output in Europe and domestically underlines a wider Newcastle paradox. He has scored 10 Champions League goals in nine games but only three in 21 Premier League appearances, two from penalties. Having netted four against Qarabag in Baku, he is likely to lead the attack again for the Champions League playoff second leg at St James’ Park, yet the blistering pace that masks certain weaknesses could make life harder against Everton on Saturday.

Newcastle are among the Premier League’s most athletic sides and at their ferocious, hard-pressing best they are formidable. Still, a lack of imagination and incision in possession helps explain why they sit 11th, level on 36 points with Sunderland, and why domestic rivals often cede the ball and sit back while Newcastle do little with it.

“We’re better out of possession,” Howe has admitted.

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