Howe was definitely not getting carried away.
However the Newcastle head coach could have taken immense encouragement from the contribution of his forwards.
Newcastle have relied on document signing Nick Woltemade, who scored his facet’s first purpose towards Wolves, Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise and Brighton in current weeks, and whose link-up play was once more eye-catching on Tuesday evening.
However when this recreation was on a knife-edge, and St James’ Park was tense, Newcastle wanted another person to step up and ease the goalscoring burden.
And Gordon did so when he side-footed dwelling on the again submit following Jacob Murphy’s ball throughout within the thirty second minute.
Murphy had been recalled rather than summer time signing Anthony Elanga – and this was a reminder why.
His teasing deliveries arrange so many objectives for former team-mate Alexander Isak final season and Gordon benefited from such an help towards Benfica.
Gordon, within the course of, grew to become the primary Newcastle participant ever to attain in three successive Champions League video games, whereas solely Alan Shearer has extra objectives within the competitors for the membership.
“It means the whole lot, however I have to get extra,” Gordon instructed TNT Sport. “My ambition does not cease there.”
This was a vital contribution, although, as Benfica supervisor Mourinho wanted no reminding.
His ahead Dodi Lukebakio had earlier hit the submit and compelled Nick Pope right into a wonderful save when the match was goalless.
“St James’ was quiet,” Mourinho stated. “The followers felt that the sport was not simple. They felt Benfica was a lot nearer than Newcastle to attain.
“They introduced their enthusiasm in set-pieces, which is regular. When you have got a group of giants, you recognize each set-piece, throw-in, lateral free-kick, nook is a dramatic second for the opponent – and it was the one second that they introduced that enthusiasm and that stress to the opponent.
“We felt very comfy within the first half.”
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