Eddie Howe praises four-goal hero Anthony Gordon after Newcastle thrash Qarabag

The 24-year-old forward bagged four goals at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium on Wednesday as the Toons gained a considerable advantage over the Azerbaijan club ahead of next week's second leg fixture at St James' Park.

"He [Gordon] was really good in that first half. He started the press, a number of his goals came from his attitude off the ball," said manager Eddie Howe after the match.

"He could have had more, but a very good display. We wanted to keep the momentum in the second half. The game changed and they played lower on the pitch which made it more difficult for us.

"Overall, it's a great day for us. We know the tie isn't dead or over, but we are in a great position."

Howe surprised many by shifting Gordon from playing on the wing to the centre forward role for the European clash, with Germany striker Nick Woltemade behind him in an attacking midfield role.

The England international now holds the record for most goals [10] scored by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League campaign.

The Magpies will be hoping he continues his goalscoring form when they face Manchester City in a Premier League clash at the Etihad on Saturday.

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