Gordon penalty double as Newcastle win in Belgium

Anthony Gordon has scored 23 goals for Newcastle United since joining the club from Everton in 2023

Anthony Gordon scored two penalties against Union Saint-Gilloise as Newcastle United claimed a convincing first Champions League win of the season.

Newcastle suffered a dramatic defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday, but the clinical visitors looked like a side eager to respond as they secured their first away victory in the competition since 2003.

There was certainly no sign of a hangover at Lotto Park when Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

Winger Anthony Elanga whipped a cross into the box and Union could only clear the ball as far as the lurking Sandro Tonali on the edge of the area.

Tonali caught the ball sweetly on the volley and the Italian's effort took a deflection off record signing Woltemade to wrongfoot goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.

Champions League newcomers Union did not crumble, however, and Nick Pope had to make an important save midway through the first half to parry Adem Zorgane's shot behind.

Newcastle were given a chance to double their lead from the spot just before half-time when Elanga was brought down by Fedde Leysen inside the Union box. Up stepped Gordon, whose well-struck penalty sent Scherpen the wrong way.

Belgian champions Union came back once again after the break and Anan Khalaili fired wide before Pope went on to keep out fierce efforts from Ousseynou Niang and Zorgane.

Their challenge was dealt a major blow, though, when Newcastle were awarded another penalty midway through the second half as Leysen was penalised for handball following a VAR check.

Gordon did the honours with another convincing penalty before substitute Harvey Barnes added a fourth late on with a fine finish from inside the box to seal the win in Brussels. After defeat by Barcelona in their opener, this convincing display brought the first points of Newcastle's European campaign, getting them properly up and running.

Newcastle analysis: Ruthless visitors click

You would not have known Newcastle United were the Premier League's joint-lowest goalscorers. Not by the manner in which the ruthless visitors took Union apart on Wednesday night.

No wonder those Newcastle supporters in the away end repeatedly sang about how they did not want to go home after seeing their side finally click in the attacking third.

This was the first game in which Woltemade, Elanga and Gordon have started together and the trio quickly caused Union problems.

Elanga, who had a hand in both of Newcastle's opening goals, tormented Leysen with his lightning pace.

Gordon is hardly a slouch, either, and the forward looks at home on this stage having already opened the scoring against Barcelona in Newcastle's opening Champions League fixture last month.

Rather than shying away, the Englishman embraced the responsibility of taking both of Newcastle's penalties.

He even had a role in Newcastle's fourth goal after winning the ball inside his own penalty area and playing a smart pass forward to William Osula, who teed up fellow substitute Barnes following a rapid breakaway.

And what about Woltemade?

Newcastle were called "idiots" by Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for spending £69m on the German, but he popped up with his third goal in just four starts at Lotto Park.

Woltemade's opener on Wednesday night was not exactly one for the highlight reel, but he has already shown innate ability to score typical 'number nine' goals by being in the right place at the right time inside the box in the opening weeks of his Newcastle career.

Sterner tests lie in wait in the weeks and months ahead as Newcastle look to qualify for the last 16, but this felt like a significant victory. In more ways than one.

What next?

Newcastle host Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on Sunday, 5 October. Howe's side then go to Brighton on Saturday, 18 October after the international break.