Gordon: Best day of my life so far

Teenager Anthony Gordon finally had his dream come true yesterday as he made his Premier League debut for Everton as a second half substitute against West Ham United. While the forward didn’t set London Stadium alight, he certainly looked comfortable on the pitch and was very involved in the action.

Gordon has been training with the senior side since Marco Silva was in charge earlier this season, and continued to be part of the first team group during Duncan Ferguson’s interim tenure and now with Carlo Ancelotti in charge.

The teenager was a key component of David Unsworth’s Everton Under-23 side last season that went on to lift the Premier League 2 title. Speaking to evertontv, the youngster reminisced on his third game for the first team, the previous two having come in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup.

“It’s the best day of my life so far, a Premier League debut but I want more now and to keep going. It would have felt better if we’d won but it’s the best achievement I’ve had in my career so far. I’m just hoping for more of it now.

“If you’re on the bench you’re always hoping to come on. I got the call and I gave it my best.

“Delphy, Tom [Davies] and Dom [Calvert-Lewin] really helped me during the game, I got settled straight away. You don’t really think, ‘I’m playing a Premier League game’, you’ve just got to get yourself embedded in the game and do your job and try to win.

“I always give myself a chance and I’m really confident when I play. It didn’t happen today but hopefully it will soon enough.”

The Italian manager had indicated last week that the 18-year-old was coming closer to his debut and it finally happened, and the youngster could not say enough good things about Ancelotti.

“He’s been unbelievable right from the start. For such a prestigious manager to take an interest in a young player like me, it’s amazing, really. I’ve just got to thank him for the opportunity and all he’s doing for me at the minute.

“[He’s told me to have] confidence and not being afraid to make mistakes or try new things. The things he’s won and the player’s he’s coached is out of this world and it’s a pleasure to be coached from him.

“Hopefully I’ve done enough to stay in and around the squad. If not, I’ll just keep doing my best, keep going in training and I will get myself there.”

Here’s looking forward to much more from Gordon going forward.