‘In our hands’ - Newcastle’s £40m superstar sends Europa League warning to Manchester United

Anthony Gordon insisted Newcastle United are in pole position for Europa League qualification after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.

The Magpies were held on home soil - blowing the chance to open up a sizable cushion ahead of the trip to Manchester United in midweek. Chelsea’s late fightback against Nottingham Forest also pulled them level with Newcastle, who remain sixth on goal difference.

Gordon had a goal disallowed against Brighton and saw a late penalty appeal turned down by referee Darren England. The winger felt hard done by - believing the Magpies should have received a spot-kick.

“It was a difficult game,” he told NUFC TV. “I felt we should have won. We were the better team. We were lacking a bit of quality in the final third.

“I felt like created the chances and got in the right areas. It was just that last little bit (that was missing). We made too many mistakes, you have those days. Unfortunately, ours was today.

“I felt like it was a penalty. I haven’t seen it back yet so it may not have been. I felt like I got my foot there and he went through the back of me but, like I say, I haven’t watched it back.”

However, Gordon stayed upbeat, highlighting how Newcastle’s destiny is still in their hands. The Magpies face Man United in a monumental clash before travelling to Brentford on the final day.

“They’re both massive games,” Gordon added. “Europe is still in our hands. We’ve got to perform and go get two results. I’m very confident we can. We’re playing well, we’re in good form, we’ve just got to go and deliver.”