Academy graduate Anthony’s on song with the supporters
BEING serenaded from the Old Trafford pitch by the Everton faithful was the best moment of Anthony Gordon’s life so far.
The Everton winger,
20, impressed on his first Premier League start of the season as the Toffees claimed a point, earning recognition from the travelling support as he was subbed off.
He said: “That was probably the best moment of my life, to be honest. I’ve dreamed about that since I was – I can’t even think how old.
“I’ve always loved the fans singing, so I probably enjoyed that more than a goal.
“I broke through without fans, after lockdown. It was a weird feeling because I never knew what experience playing in front of fans would have on me.
“Now I have had it, it is like that cliche. Football without fans really is nothing. It is true.”
Gordon revealed he was planning a Cristiano Ronaldoinspired celebration had he scored at Old Trafford. Andros Townsend ultimately ended up imitating the Portuguese star after netting the equaliser in a
1-1 draw.
But academy graduate
Gordon has now claimed he would have done exactly the same had he grabbed a goal.
“A few of the lads spoke about it on the bus,” he said.
“I think I spoke to Andros as well asking if he’d do it, and I was thinking to myself that I’d do it if I scored. We had a conversation about it. It’s no disrespect to Ronaldo, it’s big respect.”
Townsend also beat his team-mate to the punch at full-time getting the United No.7’s jersey.
Gordon said: “Andros got his shirt. I was too far away from him on the bench. I was thinking from a week before about ways I could get it.”
Everton boss Rafael Benitez did not go overboard about the youngster’s performance and Gordon (below) added: “He gives me praise after I do well but he’s a really intense coach and doesn’t allow you to get ahead of yourself.
“For me, that’s really good, I enjoy that because I never get to relax, I’m always locked in and focused on keeping improving.
“He told me I did well but he told me I had to keep
going.”