Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon’s return to full fitness provides his side with “a big boost” ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday. The Magpies have endured a difficult start to the 2025/26 season, winning just one of their five league games and losing their Champions League opener against Barcelona.
Howe is under pressure to deliver a statement victory, and Arsenal’s visit presents the ideal opportunity. The rivalry has grown in intensity over recent seasons, with fixtures between the two clubs often proving feisty encounters. “It has always been a competitive game against Arsenal and there has been an edge to those games,” Howe said. “We encourage that. The more competitive we are, the better we play. We need to bring that to the game on Sunday.”
Gordon’s return a timely lift
Anthony Gordon made his comeback in the Carabao Cup win over Bradford City earlier this week after a short layoff and is now set to feature against Arsenal.
“It is a big boost for us to have him back fully. He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break. I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday.” — Eddie Howe
Gordon’s energy, pressing and eye for goal have quickly made him a vital figure in Howe’s system. His availability will be crucial as Newcastle look to rediscover the intensity that drove them into the Champions League places last season.
Newcastle’s injury update
While Gordon’s return is a major positive, Howe admitted there are still fitness concerns in his squad. Jacob Murphy remains available but is being carefully managed due to soreness. “It is an issue we are managing,” Howe explained. “He is fit and available, but some days he has been sore, so we are just trying to manage his load.”
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey, meanwhile, remains sidelined with an ankle problem, though his recovery is progressing well. “His recovery is going well; he is on the grass working hard and building his fitness back up,” Howe said.
Newcastle vs Arsenal – recent history
Arsenal edged the last meeting between the clubs 1-0 in May, but Newcastle had won the previous three encounters. The Magpies will be hoping Gordon’s return can inspire a performance similar to last season’s memorable victories, when their intensity overwhelmed Mikel Arteta’s side.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Gordon’s return could be pivotal:
“Anthony Gordon’s pace and directness give Newcastle a completely different dimension. Without him, they have lacked penetration and energy in the final third. His presence could unsettle Arsenal’s backline and give Howe the spark his side desperately need.”
He added: “Newcastle’s start has been disappointing, but these are the type of fixtures where they’ve thrived before. Howe is right to encourage the competitive edge — it’s been the hallmark of their progress under him.”
Key Insights
- Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon’s return is “a big boost” ahead of facing Arsenal.
- Newcastle have just one win from their first five league games this season.
- Jacob Murphy is available but being carefully managed.
- Jacob Ramsey is still recovering from an ankle injury.
- Arsenal won the last meeting 1-0, but Newcastle had won the three previous clashes.
What’s Next for Newcastle?
Newcastle host Arsenal in a high-stakes fixture on Sunday, needing a result to kickstart their Premier League campaign. With only three points separating them from the relegation zone, pressure is building for Howe to get his side firing again.
Long-term, much will depend on keeping key players like Gordon fit and rediscovering the collective intensity that defined their top-four push last season. A positive result against Arsenal would ease the pressure and restore belief that Newcastle remain contenders for European football.
👉 Can Anthony Gordon inspire Newcastle to a much-needed win over Arsenal this weekend?
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