Anthony Gordon: Newcastle's in-form winger makes second return to Everton every inch a £45m player

Anthony Gordon will be reminded of what he left behind - and indeed how far he has come - when he returns to face Everton in the Premier League tonight.

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Six yellow cards in just 13 league appearances tells you the player still needs to work on his discipline – but it also reflects the high intensity and aggression Howe demands from his side.

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He joined as an 11-year-old, and made his first Premier League start against Liverpool. It part-explains the player's disappointment when reflecting on how Everton handled his departure 11 months ago

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Gordon has produced 346 sprints – only Heung-Min Son (359) has more this season

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As he makes his second return to Goodison Park since sealing his move to St James' Park - for an initial £40m plus a potential £5m in add-ons - the player knows what to expect from those who once cherished him as one of their own

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As he makes his second return to Goodison Park since sealing his move to St James’ Park – for an initial £40m plus a potential £5m in add-ons – the player knows what to expect from those who once cherished him as one of their own.

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Last weekend against Manchester United, he became the first Newcastle player to score in four consecutive home Premier League appearances since Joe Willock in May 2021.

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It was the first goal United had shipped in the Premier League since Phil Foden’s strike for Man City in October, ending their run of 334 minutes without conceding in the competition.

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Everton suffered their heaviest home league defeat to Newcastle since Boxing Day 1933 back in April when Eddie Howe’s side moved closer to wrapping up Champions League qualification with a 4-1 win at Goodison.

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