Analysis: Gordon shows ruthless streak

Anthony Gordon's words proved rather prescient.

"In the Champions League, teams are much more open," he said just a few weeks ago. "They all try to play."

Never was that more apparent than on Wednesday night.

This was a new stage for both sides, neither of whom had reached the knockout stages of the Champions League before.

But the gulf in class was staggering.

Eddie Howe showed Qarabag huge respect by naming a strong side, but the Newcastle head coach also knew the hosts would leave gaps.

Gordon, in particular, exploited them as he led the line.

The forward was so hungry that, even after scoring his hat-trick, he grabbed the ball as designated penalty-taker to take the spot-kick for his fourth rather than giving it to Nick Woltemade.

Kieran Trippier, the stand-in captain, still appeared to be a little annoyed about that as the pair exchanged words after trudging off the field at half-time.

But it summed up Gordon's ruthless streak.

In truth, Gordon and his team-mates could have scored even more on a night Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski still, somehow, emerged with credit after making some fine saves.

Newcastle had 22 shots, 14 efforts on target and 39 touches inside the opposition box, but the visitors ultimately had to settle for just the six goals.

With the tie as good as over, Howe will now have the luxury of being able to rotate for the second leg at St James' Park next week - though you suspect Gordon will still be desperate to add to the 10 goals he has scored in the competition this season.

Listen to Gordon's reaction below or here on BBC Sounds