Newcastle United secured a commanding victory against Qarabag
Newcastle United delivered a stunning performance, clinching a 5-0 victory against Qarabag in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Wednesday evening, reports BritPanorama.
Anthony Gordon emerged as the standout player, netting four goals in a remarkable first-half display. He opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, followed by Malick Thiaw doubling the lead shortly after.
Gordon’s first-half contributions included two penalties, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy. However, tensions flared during the half-time interval, notably between Gordon and teammate Kieran Trippier.
Cameras caught Trippier visibly upset with Gordon, pointing at him as they moved towards the tunnel. This moment was particularly striking given Newcastle’s dominant performance, which had fans celebrating a comfortable lead.
The confrontation was soon addressed by defender Dan Burn, who intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further, while Anthony Elanga attempted to soothe Gordon.
The altercation, broadcast live on TNT Sports, puzzled viewers who questioned why such a dispute arose following an impressive exhibition of football. Speculation swirled among fans, with many assuming Trippier’s annoyance stemmed from Gordon’s insistence on taking a second penalty, despite already scoring a hat-trick.
Supporters on social media voiced divided opinions, some feeling Trippier was justified in his frustration, while others defended Gordon’s actions, emphasizing his role as the primary penalty taker.
As Newcastle looks to build on this decisive lead in the return leg, the dynamics within the squad could play a crucial role in their quest for success. Gordon’s performance underscores his importance to the team, yet the underlying tensions serve as a reminder of the complexities that can arise even in moments of triumph.