EDDIE HOWE has defended the decision to allow Anthony Gordon to take a penalty in Newcastle United’s goalless draw at Goodison Park.

Emotions were running high as Gordon returned to the ground he formerly graced as an Everton player, with the home supporters booing and jeering him throughout.

There appeared to be a discussion over who should take the spot-kick after James Tarkowski bundled over Sandro Tonali in the first half, with Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier having previously converted penalties for Newcastle.

Gordon stepped up though, having scored from the spot against Manchester City seven days earlier, but his effort was a poor one, with Jordan Pickford saving down to his left.

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“There was a lot of pressure on him in that moment,” said Howe. “But he’s been an outstanding penalty taker.

“I see him work on it every day in training, so I’ve got no issues with him taking it, or taking another one in the future. We really do back him, and I think he did really well in the game.”

Howe was especially pleased with Gordon’s response to missing from 12 yards, with the Liverpudlian leading the line energetically in the absence of both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

Last season, the emotional challenge of returning to Goodison appeared to be too much for Gordon, but Howe insists that was not the case this evening.

“I think naturally he’ll (Gordon) be disappointed,” said the Magpies boss. “But it was a much better performance from him than here last year. I thought he dealt with the occasion really well.

“Tactically, I thought he gave them a problem. He played deep, and technically was very good. He linked play really well, and he did have his moments. He had his chance towards the end of the game (when he shot over the bar), and I thought his overall performance was very good.

“Anyone can miss a penalty. We absolutely support him, he’s been incredible for us. I thought today was a positive day for him.”