Newcastle boss Eddie Howe supports Anthony Gordon’s penalty decision, praising his scoring instinct and leadership after a Champions League hat-trick.

LONDON: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has urged striker Anthony Gordon to retain his “selfish” scoring instinct following a controversial penalty incident.

Howe’s comments come after Gordon scored four goals in Newcastle’s 6-1 Champions League play-off first-leg victory over Qarabag in Baku.

The 24-year-old England international took his season’s tally in the competition to 10 with the haul. He completed it by scoring a second penalty, despite captain Kieran Trippier urging him to let teammate Nick Woltemade take the spot-kick.

“There were really big positives to take from that incident,” Howe told reporters on Friday. He described the moment as a “very minor issue” that had been “blown out of all proportion”.

“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 added.

The manager also defended Trippier’s actions, praising the captain’s team-first mentality. “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,” he said.

Howe concluded that the incident highlighted the squad’s collective desire. “I actually thought it was a real positive on all sides,” he said. “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.”

Newcastle now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Saturday. The Magpies are searching for their first league win at the Etihad Stadium.

Their last victory there came in September 2000, and they have lost on their last 16 visits to City in the competition.

 The Sun Malaysia