Anthony Gordon’s four-goal first half in Baku powered Newcastle to a 6-1 win and all but sealed progression to the Champions League knockouts. Betting angle: Gordon’s red-hot continental form and penalty involvement make him a strong anytime scorer or top-scorer pick in remaining matches, while Newcastle look a reliable choice for match/handicap markets against lower-ranked European sides.
Gordon’s record-breaking night in Baku
Anthony Gordon produced a sensational display, scoring four times in the first half as Newcastle dismantled Qarabag 6-1. The England winger not only registered the fastest hat-trick by an English player in Champions League history but also joined an elite group to score four goals in a single half. Two of his strikes were penalties, while another came from open play, underlining his pace and composure in the final third.
Club milestones and individual honours
Gordon’s haul had wider significance for both player and club. In his 15th Champions League appearance, he set a new Newcastle appearance record in the competition while overtaking long-standing club marks for goals. His sudden surge this season has pushed him into second place in the race for the Champions League golden boot—three behind Kylian Mbappé and two clear of Harry Kane.
Match summary and key moments
Newcastle started explosively, with a composed finish inside two minutes. Malick Thiaw added a headed goal to make it 2-0 inside eight minutes, and penalties contributed to Gordon’s rapid triple. The visitors controlled the first half, and although Qarabag improved after the break, Eddie Howe managed the game by withdrawing Gordon after about an hour. Jacob Murphy later sealed the score with a deflected long-range strike.
Tactical reading: why Gordon thrives in Europe
Gordon’s output in continental fixtures suggests he benefits from more open, transitional play. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 sits noticeably higher in European action (0.41) than in the Premier League (0.27), reflecting better quality and frequency of chances in the Champions League.
Domestically his finishing has lagged slightly—4.01 npxG this season with fewer returns in open play—but tonight’s performance highlights his capacity to exploit space on the break.
Implications for Newcastle’s Champions League campaign
The emphatic win all but guarantees Newcastle a place in the round-of-16 draw, lifting pressure and giving Eddie Howe room to rotate. The result also provides momentum heading into a demanding Premier League trip to Manchester City, where fresh legs will be crucial after the long return journey from Azerbaijan.
Betting and fantasy takeaways
Punters should note Gordon’s recent Champions League form and his tendency to be involved in penalties—both factors that boost his appeal for anytime goalscorer markets and top-scorer props in the remaining group fixtures.
Newcastle’s dominant display suggests they are a safe pick in match and handicap lines against lower-ranked European opponents, while match totals may lean toward overs when Newcastle face susceptible defenses.
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Gordon's incredible mark is just one shy of the record, held by Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Luiz Adriano
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