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'Perfectionist' Gordon Admits Need To Improve

Anthony Gordon is adamant he has enormous scope for improvement after the Academy graduate’s personal campaign took another positive turn with his first Everton goals on Sunday.

The persevering Gordon drove a comeback attempt against Brighton & Hove Albion that ultimately came up short.

And it was the result and what more he could have done to change it that concerned Gordon more than individual accolades.

The 20-year-old acknowledged the quickfire double to open his account for the Club was reflective of a player gaining confidence and composure with every appearance.

But he went home thinking about a late equalising chance steered narrowly past the post and the set-piece deliveries he felt weren’t up to scratch.

“I am a bit of a perfectionist, I thought scoring would make me feel happy but it’s not because I think I should have scored a hat-trick, that’s the way I am,” Gordon told evertontv.

“I feel I am getting better every time I play. I have more experience and composure in the final third and am feeling more comfortable.

“Hopefully, I can continue getting on the scoresheet and providing assists.

“I pride myself on that [shouldering responsibility], I want to be a game-winner and game-winners take responsibility.

Anthony Gordon
I am a bit of a perfectionist, I thought scoring would make me feel happy but it’s not because I think I should have scored a hat-trick, that’s the way I am.


“We created a lot in the second half, it was only a matter of time before one went in and it was mine.

“But that wasn’t only down to me, we created a lot as a team.

“I had a few good crosses but my set-pieces were terrible and I need to improve on that because they are chances I can give to the likes of Dom [Calvert-Lewin] and Michael Keane to score.

“They are big opportunities because we have some tall players and I need to improve on that.”

Gordon begun six of Everton’s past eight Premier League fixtures and eight of his 13 starts in the competition have come this term.

He cleared a notable hurdle when completing 90 minutes for the first time in the scoreless draw with Tottenham Hotspur back in November.

Gordon has started and finished a further four games as he steadily grows into an influential figure in the plans of manager Rafa Benitez.

The enforced 17-day layoff between a draw with Chelsea – when Gordon served up an equaliser for Jarrad Branthwaite – and the weekend meeting with Brighton represented an awkward period, confessed the player.

But Everton are set for a rush of matches, with the FA Cup trip to Hull City on Saturday followed three days later by a Premier League visit from Leicester City.


Gordon is stacking up his objectives for those games, the wish to play and contribute married to a hunger for a much better 90-minute team performance than in the loss to Brighton.

“We didn’t start well enough, we were at home, the crowd were right behind us and we didn’t give them anything back,” said Gordon. “That is what cost us.

“The break was really difficult, you are training and training without a game.

“To get on the pitch felt amazing and, hopefully, we won’t go through that again.

“I am buzzing we have another match so soon. It is hard to focus when you don’t have a game to look forward to.

“If I score and have end product in my game – and match that with the defensive stuff and getting back – it is hard for any manager to take me out of the team.

“I want to be an all-round good player and it is up to me to keep improving.”

Gordon sent over seven crosses against Brighton, fewer only than fellow wideman Demarai Gray (12), as Everton sought to make capital on the long-awaited return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Striker Calvert-Lewin missed four months with toe and quadriceps injuries but got through his comeback match without any ill effects.

“It is massive to have him back,” added Gordon, who aimed a match-high five shots in the Brighton contest.

“I was trying to find him as much as I could… he is a top goalscorer.

“It is a boost for us and it won’t be long before he is back on the scoresheet.”