Anthony Gordon Held Nothing Back After Being Asked About Difference Between PL and UCL

Anthony Gordon gave his refreshingly honest take on the difference between playing in the Premier League and Champions League as he spoke to reporters ahead of Newcastle's clash against PSG.

From inswinging corners to long throw-ins, the Premier League has seen a noticeable shift in play style over the past few months, with more teams becoming more direct.

"Teams who were being pressed by opposition forwards at goal-kicks are now playing long to beat it," former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis told the BBC last month. "A certain change of wind direction is taking place."

Premier League leaders Arsenal, for example, have scored 26 goals from set pieces in all competitions this season as teams struggle to contend with their well-worked corners.

But despite scoring 42 goals in England's top flight this season, they rank 17th for their percentage of goals from open play - a worrying statistic if teams start to work out their set-piece routines.

A quick look at social media shows plenty of supporters have given their take on the Premier League's style of play but for the most part, players have stayed quiet on the subject... until now.

Speaking ahead of Newcastle's clash against Paris Saint-Germain, Anthony Gordon made some interesting points after being asked to to explain the difference between the Premier League and Champions League.

"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," he began.

"It's like a basketball game sometimes, it's so relentless physically. There's not much control, it's just a running game. Sometimes it's about duels, who wins the duels wins the game, or moments.

"The Champions League is a bit more of an older style of game, it's a bit more football-based, teams come and try and play proper football."

Gordon added: "I think in the Premier League now you're seeing a lot more long throw-ins, set-pieces. It's become a lot slower and a lot more set-piece based, I would say."

At Newcastle’s pre match presser in Paris, I asked Anthony Gordon to explain the difference between Champions League football and the Premier League. His answer 👇 pic.twitter.com/FvzVLJgb0G

— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) January 27, 2026

Here's how fans on social media have reacted to Gordon's comments.

One said: "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."

A second wrote: "Summarised the problem of the Premier League beautifully. All running and physicality these days," and a third commented: "Every time I’ve heard Gordon speak, his words tell me he truly understands the game. Fair play."

A fourth said: 100% agree with Anthony Gordon on everything he is saying. There is very little fast football in the Premier League. At the back the defenders often play walking football & so much time is spent on long throws & corner routines. I don’t like it when Spurs do it or the opposition."

A fifth added: "We’ve been screaming that this is one of the worst premier league season in terms of watch value and people thought it was an agenda. Now the players are coming out to speak on how bad it is to play in the league."

Thoughts on Gordon's take? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.