‘The manager gave us a kick up the backside…’ Anthony Gordon after Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2

Anthony Gordon has been talking after Wednesday night ended Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2.

A bit of a non-event first half and Newcastle United going into the break a goal down.

Whilst the second half couldn’t have been more different and Anthony Gordon at the heart of most of the good stuff.

The United winger confidently striking the equaliser from the penalty spot, then a great cross for Lewis Miley to head home.

Only a shame that Anthony Gordon hit the woodwork with yet another class long range effort, just like he did twice on Saturday!

As for the change after the break, Anthony Gordon admitting; ‘The manager gave us a kick up the backside and we reacted well.’

So near but yet so far, as the failure to make it 3-1 when United were well on top eventually cost NUFC with that late equaliser.

Anthony Gordon speaking to TNT Sports after Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2:

“I don’t know how the game slipped away but it is happening too many times to be honest.

“The first half an hour was really poor but we reacted well and we came out well in the second half.

“The manager gave us a kick up the backside and we reacted well.

“Defensively we need to be more tight because we are conceding too many goals late in games.

“I don’t know if that is fatigue but it all comes back to mentality.

“We have to hold out in these games because that is what top teams do.”

Anthony Gordon also got an assist for Lewis Miley’s goal:

“He [Lewis Miley] is a fantastic player and does well every time he comes on or when he starts.

“He has took a big leap this year with his physical and mental development.

“I am really happy for 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