Newcastle United returned from Baku with a commanding 6–1 first-leg advantage over Qarabag in the Champions League play-off, fueled by Anthony Gordon’s four-goal performance.
The result placed Newcastle in control of the matchup and pretty much locked their place in the Round of 16, but a brief on-field discussion between Gordon and captain Kieran Trippier over a second-half penalty grabbed attention during the match.
Speaking ahead of the Premier League game against Manchester City, Newcastle manager
Eddie Howe addressed the moment and downplayed its significance.
“There were really big positives to take from that incident. Moments like that get blown out of all proportion, it was a very minor issue,” Howe said. “It was great from Anthony that he’s got that strong enough resolve that he wants to score in every moment — and you’d want that from any player — so I’ve got no issue with him.”
Howe also defended Trippier’s role in the exchange.
“I’ve got no issue with Kieran also, trying to think of the team and trying to lead in his way and be the aspiring leader that he is in every moment. I actually thought it was a real positive on all sides.
“The good thing is we scored the penalty, so that in itself is another positive. I think it showed that all the players care and we want to do well.”
Trippier’s suggestion had reportedly been aimed at allowing Nick Woltemade to take the spot-kick, not at taking it himself. The German forward, signed for a reported £69 million, ended a 14-game scoring drought in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Aston Villa and has recently operated in a deeper midfield role.
Even amid his late struggles, Howe praised Woltemade’s adaptation to Newcastle and the english football as a whole.
“Tactically, he’s a very, very intelligent player,” Howe said. “He’s obviously been well-educated in his former clubs, so he took to it really quickly and full compliment to him for doing that.”
