GORDON'S THE TONIC

Anthony relishes role in attack and reckons he can be Isak's replacement

- BY ALAN SMITH

FOR 13 minutes after a draw he felt could easily have been a win, Eddie Howe patiently fielded question after question about the man who chose not to be there.

And while Howe was insisting that the door remains open for Alexander Isak (inset) to reintegrate himself at Newcastle, the winger chosen to occupy his position at Villa Park was confidently declaring himself up to the task.

Anthony Gordon could not convert any of his seven shots and his one free dribble towards goal was ended by Ezri Konsa hauling him to the ground, the defender earning a red card (right) for denying the scoring opportunity.

But the England winger is prepared to do whatever is required of him and is certain he will pick up the tricks to thrive down the centre once he has acclimatised.

"I really like it," said Gordon. "It's just going to take some getting used to.