WHEN the full-time whistle was blown on Newcastle United's emphatic Champions League victory over Benfica on Tuesday night, beaten boss Jose Mourinho made a beeline for Anthony Gordon.
Before disappearing down the tunnel, Mourinho grabbed Gordon and had a word in the ear of the England international, who had starred with a goal and and an assist before his late withdrawal to a standing St James' Park ovation.
"He said 'You're too much'," revealed Gordon afterwards.
"And that's a big compliment for me because as a kid he was my favourite manager in the world growing up.
"It's quite weird because he was quite a defensive manager but I just love the way... even then, the bench was getting up. He really creates a team environment, it's like us against the world. I recognise that from my own game so it was a big compliment.
"It means an awful lot. Even if I didn't idolise him, a compliment from any coach at this level means a lot."
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Mourinho was right. Gordon was too much for his Benfica side and only Kylian Mbappe has scored more than the Newcastle winger's four Champions League goals so far this season.
"It brings the best out of me," he said.
"The biggest games make me feel alive, I love playing at this level, it's where I wanted to play as a kid so I'm living the dream."
For all Gordon has shone on the international stage, the 24-year-old hasn't yet scored in the Premier League this season, with Newcastle firing too many blanks on the domestic front in the early stages of the campaign.
Why, then, have Howe's side managed to score more goals in three Champions League ties than they have in eight Premier League games?
"I haven't got an answer for that - I wish I did," admitted Gordon.
"I've just got to take it game by game, approach every game the same, I don't know what's different. Hopefully we play with the Champions League ball in the Prem! That might help."
One player who hasn't had any problems finding the net in the Premier League is Nick Woltemade, who didn't add to his goal tally on Tuesday night but has enjoyed a superb start to life in black and white.
"I was unsure of his game style when he first came in and how it would translate for me," admitted Gordon.
"But it's been unbelievable, to be honest. I didn't think it'd turn out as well as it has.
"He suits my game so well, he sees the little passes I do round the corner - that's my style of play as a winger.
"Not a lot of attackers can really play off that style but some of his first touches, some of his little flicks, especially for the third goal, that's top, top level."