'There Isn't Much...'! Newcastle Star Opines 'PL Fixtures Turning Into Basketball Games'!

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 17:30 IST

The 24-year-old believes that teams stick to a more traditional approach of football in the continental showpiece, in contrast to the English top-flight.

Newcastle's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Champions League soccer match between Newcastle and PSV in Newcastle, England, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon opined that the Premier League has become slower with the rampant increase in focus on set-pieces, ahead of the Magpies’ clash against PSG on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Englishman believes that teams stick to a more traditional approach of football in the continental showpiece, in contrast to the English top-flight.

“I think in the Champions League, teams are much more open. They all try to play; it’s less transitional."

“In the Premier League, it’s become more physical than ever, than I’ve ever known it to be. It’s become like a basketball game sometimes; it’s so relentless."

“There is not much control; it’s just a running game sometimes. Sometimes it’s about who wins the duels or moments."

“In the Champions League, it’s more of an older style of game, it’s more football-based, teams try and come to play proper football."

“In the Premier League you have seen longer throw-ins, set pieces – it has become slower and a lot more set piece based."

Premier League table-toppers Arsenal have been particularly slammed for their reliance to score from set-pieces to win games of football as Mikel Arteta looks to squeeze out every bit of advantage in his pursuit of the coveted English top-flight crown.

Newcastle stand ninth in the Premier League with 33 points at the end of 23 outings with 9 wins, six draws and eight defeats in a fiercely contested table.

Eddie Howe’s Toon Army stand seventh in the UEFA Champions League table after 7 outings with 13 points as the Tyne-side club have amassed 4 wins a draw and a couple of defeats in Europe this season and will look to seal their place in the top-8 of the revamped UCL standings which would guarantee a place in the knockout rounds of the UEFA showpiece. Newcastle travel to Paris to take on defending champions Luis Enrique PSG at the Parc des Princes in their final UCL group-stage fixture.

News sports football 'There Isn't Much...'! Newcastle Star Opines 'PL Fixtures Turning Into Basketball Games'!

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