Anthony Gordon delivered a historic performance as Newcastle United thrashed Qarabag 6-1 in their Champions League play-off first leg. The 23-year-old forward scored four goals, including two penalties, to surpass Alan Shearer as Newcastle's all-time top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.

Gordon's ruthless display drew comparisons to Shearer's legendary single-mindedness. When teammate Nick Woltemade was fouled for a penalty, Gordon refused to let anyone else take the spot-kick, channeling memories of Shearer telling Paul Robinson where to go in 1999. The Azerbaijan Premier League champions had previously drawn with Chelsea and defeated Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and Copenhagen, but their high defensive line played right into Gordon's hands.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe praised Gordon's pressing and movement, noting he'd been excellent in this role during recent away victories at Anfield and Tottenham. Gordon's performance marked him as only the second Englishman to reach double figures in a single Champions League campaign after Harry Kane. The forward left the field in the 70th minute clearly disappointed not to continue his pursuit of more goals, as the travelling Newcastle fans celebrated what Howe called a vital response after recent criticism following their defeat to Brentford.