A ‘rule change’ in the Premier League has prompted a Newcastle United star to miss West Ham – Eddie Howe
When Newcastle United travels to West Ham United on Sunday (2 p.m. kick-off), they will be missing one of their top performers this season.
Anthony Gordon will miss the game due to suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card in only his seventh Premier League appearance against Burnley last Saturday. A one-match penalty is imposed for five bookings in the first 19 games of a Premier League season.
Gordon received a yellow card for pushing the ball away after referee Thomas Bramall granted Burnley a free kick early in the game. Newcastle’s first goal came from Miguel Almiron, before Gordon secured a penalty in the closing stages which was converted by Alexander Isak.
The 22-year-old has been an important player for The Magpies this season having played a role in six of the 18 league goals scored by the club so far, scoring twice.
While sorry to be without Gordon this weekend, United head coach Eddie Howe believes repeated bans are something his team may have to get used to given the Premier League’s heightened zeal for yellow cards.
“[Gordon] will be disappointed because he doesn’t want to miss any games,” Howe predicted to The Gazette. “Knowing Anthony, he’s very passionate and eager to play and prove his worth.” I thought he was fantastic at the start of the season, and I thought he was outstanding again on Wednesday [against PSG].
“I believe the rules have changed the booking side of things this year.” There’s very little tolerance on anything, and a yellow card is on the table.
“Whether it’s a pause in attack or whatever, with the new regulations that have come in, I think suspension will come to the forefront more, not just for Anthony and us, but for other clubs as well.”
“It’s something that we will have to deal with but if we can, we’re going to try and minimise those as much as possible.”
In addition to Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes has three yellow cards and is two bookings away from suspension by Boxing Day. Sandro Tonali has two yellow cards, while Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson each have one.
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