It took just 180 minutes for Joe Cole’s Anthony Gordon prediction to come true in Champions League

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Joe Cole was absolutely spot on about Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon after he starred in the 4-0 win against Union SG.

The Magpies bounced back from the 2-1 loss against Barcelona in the Champions League opener with a resounding victory against the Belgian champions at the Stade Joseph Marien.

Malick Thiaw sent a statement to Eddie Howe following his dominant display on Wednesday evening, as all the pieces began to fall into place for the manager.

Furthermore, fellow summer signing Nick Woltemade continued his phenomenal start to life in the North East, scoring his third goal in six outings since arriving from VfB Stuttgart, and opening the scoring on the night.

However, former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole will now be feeling smug as his prediction on Gordon eerily comes true after only 180 minutes of football.

Anthony Gordon steals the headlines in the Champions League

Cole named Gordon as his “breakout star” for this year’s Champions League, and the Englishman responded with a brace in Belgium.

Following Alexander Isak’s British transfer record sale to Liverpool, Newcastle boast a new-look frontline, and in the Swede’s absence, the supporters will be looking to Gordon to step up.

The Spanish media lauded Gordon for his efforts in the defeat at Camp Nou, and now he has certainly built on that promising display as he pulled all the strings from the left flank.

Although both of his goals came from the penalty spot, the England international was head and shoulders above his Newcastle teammates on the night.

The 24-year-old endured a turbulent start to the season, with Isak absent at the time – Gordon led the line for Newcastle and ultimately received his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the 2-1 loss against his boyhood club, Liverpool.

Gordon completed the most dribbles and won the most duels of any other player on the pitch; it was truly the perfect all-round performance on the European stage.

What Eddie Howe said about Anthony Gordon

With all of Newcastle’s goals coming from their frontline, Howe is feeling particularly optimistic about his side’s chances of competing in Europe this season.

Now Howe has confirmed Gordon will be the main penalty taker at St James’ Park this season in his post-match press conference and made note of the forward’s dedication.

“Anthony has been practising them a lot. He’s been working very hard on his routine. You can see that he’s very focused, and I was really pleased with how he took the two penalties.

“I think when you see someone as dedicated as he’s been towards that, then I had no hesitation in giving him that role.”