Ahead of Newcastle United’s final match of the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, Anthony Gordon was asked to explain the difference between playing in the Premier League and in Europe’s premier football competition. The Magpies winger’s answer has gone viral.
Much has been made of the state of the English top flight: many claim the overall strength has increased tenfold – think Fulham and Sunderland doing very well – but others are of the assumption that it’s easier to win based on the fact that some of the ‘bigger sides’ are performing below par.
Irrespective of your opinion, it’s clear to say the Premier League is currently going through a transitional period and, despite its ever-growing popularity in all four corners of the globe. From Rory Delap-esque throw-ins to inswinging corners, there’s been a noticeable shift in how teams opt to set up.
Gordon’s Answer When Asked to Explain Difference Between Premier League and Champions League Goes Viral
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In fact, former Stoke City boss Tony Pulis spoke to BBC Sport last month and summarised it perfectly, describing it as a ‘change in wind direction’. “Teams who were being pressed by opposition forwards at goal-kicks are now playing long to beat it,” he said before adding, “A certain change of wind direction is taking place.”
Plenty of supporters have been vocal in their opinion about the wicked change in the Premier League’s playing style and players, for the most part, have remained coy about the situation.
That’s until now, as Gordon – who moved to Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 and has experienced both competitions, the Premier League and the Champions League, as a result – was asked a question regarding the difference ahead of Eddie Howe’s side facing PSG in their final match of the league phase.
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“Newcastle sit ninth in the Premier League table and you guys won three on the bounce; you’re eighth in the Champions League with automatic qualification secured. Could you run me through the difference between playing in the Premier League and in the Champions League?” Gordon was asked.
Straight into his answer without a second thought, the 24-year-old said: “I think in the Champions League teams are much more open. They all try and play, it’s less transitional. I think, in the Premier League, it’s become more physical than I’ve ever known it to be. It’s like a basketball game sometimes; it’s so relentless physically.
“There is not much control, it’s a running game, and sometimes it’s about duels: who wins the duels, wins the game. The Champions League is a bit more of an older style of game, it’s a bit more football-based.
“Teams come and try to play proper football. In the Premier League now, you have seen a lot more long throw-ins, set-pieces. It’s become a lot slower and a lot more set-piece based, I would say,” Gordon – widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best wingers – said.
Watch Anthony Gordon’s full explanation below:
Arsenal, as things stand, look the strongest side to go on and win the Premier League title this season given they are four points clear of nearest challengers, Manchester City, at the top of the table. Of the north Londoners’ 42 goals this term, 16 of them have come as a result of a set-piece. Elsewhere, they rank 17th (from all 20 sides in England’s top flight) for their percentage of goals from open play, which is 51.7%.
Anthony Gordon Praised for Refreshing Take on Current Premier League
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Frustrating for many, perhaps, the Gunners’ set-piece tally is upped to 26 when all competitions are taken into consideration – with the lofty Gabriel Magalhaes often being the beneficiary of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s pinpoint deliveries. “Haha, Arsenal dig,” one said when responding to Gordon’s comments.
“Great question. And great answer. Gordon was refreshingly honest here,” another said as a third supporter added: “Summarised the problem of the Premier League beautifully.”
“Gordon put it out very smartly and it is true. The league really has been unwatchable this season. Throw ins, set pieces are being targeted, while teams are not doing anything in open play at all. There are no attacking talents showcasing their abilities either.”
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Arsenal have made the second most money of any team in Premier League history, while only five clubs have lost more money than Man Utd.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, too, has caught a bit of flak for his apparent style of football on the back of Gordon’s pre-PSG encounter on Wednesday night. “Arteta has destroyed the PL,” they wrote before adding, “Teams have learned from him that you can play ugly and win, and m
ost of them have followed his philosophy.”