UEFA Technical Observer Group explains choice of Newcastle United star as man of the match

The UEFA Technical Observer Group have been explaining their choice of this Newcastle United star, as man of the match in the Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2 match.

A game of ever changing dominance and emotions.

Bayer Leverkusen on top and often dangerous in the first half.

After the break, Newcastle United by far the better team and creating a lot of very good chances.

Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy both hitting the post with excellent long range strikes, as well as Gordon and Lewis Miley getting the two goals.

Flekken with a world class save from Thiaw’s close range header, whist United had a number of other very good chances/situations to extend their lead when 2-1 up. Only for the sucker punch equaliser in the 88th minute.

From the UEFA official site after Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2:

After a goal and an assist in the second half, Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has been named Player of the Match. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said:

“He changed the game with his great skill and dribbling, and was always available especially in the second half.”

Yes, Anthony Gordon with not a great first half, same as most of his teammates.

However, he was superb after the break. Scoring from the penalty spot, putting a great cross in for Miley’s headed goal, that great strike that deserved another goal but came back off the post, plus a lot of other great second half moments as the Leverkusen defence struggled to deal with him.

Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2 – Wednesday 10 December 2025 8pm

Match Stats

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Gordon 51 pen, Miley 74

Leverkusen:

Bruno OG 13, Grimaldo 88

Possession was Newcastle 49% Leverkusen 51%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Leverkusen 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Leverkusen 7

Corners were Newcastle 6 Leverkusen 9

Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 32 Leverkusen 28

Newcastle team v Leverkusen:

Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton (Miley 60), Bruno, Gordon (Ramsey 92), Barnes (Jacob Murphy 78), Woltemade (Wissa 93)

Unused subs:

Thompson, Harrison, Schar, Alex Murphy, Willock