Manager Jose Mourinho made his feelings clear at St James’ Park at full time as goals from Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes helped Newcastle beat Benfica 3-0 in the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho was forced to suffer another defeat on Tyneside but couldn’t help but praise the full-time whistle that should have sounded. The Benfica manager had little reason to smile, but he also wasted little time highlighting those he believed to be responsible for putting his team in jeopardy of the Champions League.
While St James’ Park celebrated three points and a 3-0 win, Mourinho paid tribute to Anthony Gordon by heading straight to his manager. The England international scored the first goal of the night, lifting the Magpies into seventh place in the league in Europe’s top competition.
Man of the match Gordon threatened Benfica’s back line, but it was Harvey Barnes who scored the second goal. Goalkeeper Nick Pope laid a 65-yard throw to the winger, who calmly took the ball into the box and finished.
Gordon then turned provider for Barnes in the final stages of Newcastle’s crucial win against Mourinho’s side. Manager Mourinho emphasized Gordon’s influence in his press conference.
“This speaks to the level of Newcastle,” he said. “We couldn’t match their horsepower. We lost our compactness and got exposed. It’s just a level thing.”
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“Their second goal was a mental killer. Man of the match was Anthony Gordon. Their wingers have speed and power and they have four.”
Former Everton youngster Gordon became the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive Champions League games. “It means everything, but we need more. My ambitions don’t stop there,” he said.
“We had so many chances that we had to kill one to calm our nerves. I was happy to see it go in. Playing with (Jacob) Murphy, I knew he was going to play that ball every time. That goal was all his.”
“We all love (Nick) Pope. He’s one of the most popular people in the dressing room, a first-class man and a first-class keeper. He’s played us in a lot of games already this season and some of his saves have been unbelievable.”
Eddie Howe also praised the goalscorer. “Anthony (Gordon) was outstanding. He looked a real threat throughout the game,” the Newcastle manager said.
“He was dynamic, aggressive, positive. Jacob (Murphy) is always an assist threat and he was just that. Some of the shots he made were very good. I’m glad Harvey (Barnes) came on and made the two he made on the right wing. It shows his versatility. It’s going to be great for these three players.”
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