Fans laugh at Anthony Gordon as £45million ace air-balls ’embarrassing’ attempted shot against Man City in first Newcastle start

Anthony Gordon arrived at Newcastle in January as one of the Premier League’s most exciting youngsters, but had a full debut to forget.

The opening moments of his first start for the Magpies would see him make a hilarious error, and rival fans couldn’t help but laugh.

Gordon tried to hit an early effort on goal

But he missed his shot and fell to the ground

Gordon signed from Everton at the beginning of the year in a £45million deal and was handed his first ever start for the Magpies in their huge clash at Man City.

He was through on goal inside the opening ten minutes and had a chance to get a shot away, but got the timing of his strike all wrong and completely missed the ball.

Former striker Dean Ashton believes it was a big chance for Gordon to make his mark as he still searches for his first Newcastle goal.

He told talkSPORT live from the Etihad Stadium: “This is a half-chance for Gordon but just as he’s about to strike it’s that really embarrassing one as he plants his foot and takes a wild swipe.

“It’s embarrassing and also an opportunity missed. That’s a half-chance.”

Gordon went up against Kyle Walker for most of the first-half, and Ashton hinted that the youngster could be low on confidence – especially after that early air-ball.

He is yet to score or assist for Newcastle since his January arrival

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Heading into the break, he said: “Gordon doesn’t even attempt to take on Walker, not even a thought of trying to have a go at him.

“He receives the ball, takes a touch and plays it backwards. He obviously doesn’t back himself.”

The hour-mark came and went and still Gordon had made no progress against Walker on the left wing.

“They may as well bring Gordon off,” said Ashton. “He’s not adding anything to the game.”

Lo and behold, the winger was benched on 62 minutes by boss Eddie Howe and replaced by fan-favourite Allan Saint-Maximin.

Gordon and Benitez were deep in conversation before the game

Before the clash, Gordon could be seen speaking to former Newcastle and Everton boss Rafa Benitez on the touchline at the Etihad.

It’s clear the winger is still trying to adapt to life at his new club, with Benitez being a favourite amongst the Toon fanbase.

But it appears any advice or words of encouragement he was given by the Spaniard didn’t really work, as he endured a tame afternoon on his first start for the Toon.

Fans will be hoping to see more from their £45m man in future games, but rival supporters couldn’t pass up the chance to have a laugh at his expense.