The Harvey Barnes ‘problem’

With the inspired form of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon coming off the back of a hugely successful campaign, a difficult but healthy dilemma has presented itself to Eddie Howe.

Both arguably deserve the starting spot on the left hand side of the front three, but who should be rewarded with it?

When Gordon was signed back in January of 2023, the idea was that he could provide an option across the front line. This is after being utilised at both left and right-wing for Everton, with the versatility he possesses being a key factor behind his arrival on Tyneside. Barnes, however, was brought in with the clear plan to deploy solely on the left. He has exclusively started at left wing for both his former employers, Leicester City and here at Newcastle, with the stats showing exactly why.

Barnes’ showed his compatibility with the position after he recorded 0.57 goals per 90 last season, the third-best at the club behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. He also managed to record an average of 0.91 goal contributions per 90. This is very impressive considering the limited minutes he received after a torrid time with injuries and Gordon’s immense form keeping him out of the starting XI. This meant he was restricted to substitute appearances for a lot his first campaign at the club, where he still found a way to shine.

The most notable involvements being his inspired cameo at home to West Ham where he played a huge role in overturning the 3-1 deficit, scoring two beautiful goals to give us a memorable 4-3 win at St James’.

On Gordon’s form last season, it’s clear to see why he’ll want that left-sided role after 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League came from what appears to be his preferred position now for club and country. It’s becomes apparent that this is not only his favourite position, but the one that gets the best out of him based on his skillset, with that mazy run at Wolves that almost ended in a goal of the season contender proof of what he can produce when cutting in from the left.

However, as we know, both can’t start where they’d ideally like to, so one has to adapt or be ‘sacrificed’ for the better of the team. In this situation, Gordon is the obvious choice to be shifted out to the right. But the potential implications of this move make it not as easy a decision as one would think.

The issues lie within whether the change of position for Gordon would hinder his abilities. This comes after a season where we’re so used to him driving with the ball to cut in field onto his stronger right foot to find a pass or shot on goal. He can use both feet, but could he offer that same threat down the right – or would he be utilised more as a touchline winger who’s sole purpose is to beat his man to cross the ball in either from a deep area or from byline for cut backs?

An area of his game that would remain untouched is his tendency to arrive late at the back post for deep crosses. This is clearly something he’s always eager to do and it paid off with his back post finish from the right at Bournemouth, which was actually assisted via Barnes’ delivery from the left.

Alternatively, there is the worry that a position change may unsettle Gordon. His performances at left wing in the previous campaign rewarded him with a seat on the plane to the Euros with England, a position where he has also started for his nation in the two previous outings against Ireland and Finland. You’d hope a consistent starting spot would be enough to keep the dynamic forward content, but with the potential for a sacrifice of his key attributes and a move from a role that gave him so much joy, is the alteration really worth it? I’d argue, yes.

With the form they are both in and the quality they possess, it’s vital we find a way to get them on the pitch at the same time. Also, with our inability to strengthen the right wing spot for at least a few months, its a decent compromise.

All in all, its a headache you want to have as a fan and manager, too much quality can never be a problem, but just causes dilemma’s on who gets more time to show it. It’s a no brainer to have both in the lineup, especially after Barnes’ involvement as of late, but whether this will prove to be a good idea and work for Gordon at this stag of his career is yet to be seen.

Here’s hoping Howe finds a way and all parties can be kept happy, as Barnes and Gordon either side of Alexander Isak could make for an electric front three.