Anthony Elanga had the chance to announce himself as a Newcastle United player against Sunderland.
He was the surprise inclusion in the starting XI, with Anthony Elanga replacing Harvey Barnes on the right of attack. It was a big call from Eddie Howe, who could also have turned to Jacob Murphy.
It was a show of faith in the summer signing, but he failed to justify the manager’s decision. Anthony Elanga was awful at the Stadium of Light, just like the majority of his teammates.
It was a rotten performance, with the 23-year-old unable to rise to the occasion before being taken off in the 59th minute.
Anthony Elanga had a day to forget against Sunderland 😟 Would starting Jacob Murphy have changed things?!
Anthony Elanga has not convinced since joining Newcastle United. Anthony Elanga deserves more time to come good. Both of these things can be true at the same time.
Alan Shearer questions why Anthony Elanga started for Newcastle United against Sunderland
Elanga blew his big chance, but the fact he was given the chance at all is questionable.
That is the view of Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who has admitted on the Rest Is Football podcast that he was surprised to see Elanga start ahead of Jacob Murphy.
- Who is Anthony Elanga? Newcastle United’s brand new £55m winger
“That was another big surprise to me,” he said.
“And I think another one that Eddie got wrong today, because Elanga has been poor at Newcastle. He’s carrying a heavy price tag through no fault of his own, hasn’t played well, one or two on his back.
“I thought for Eddie to put him in the biggest pressurised situation in the derby game away, ahead of Murphy, I thought that backfired as well.”
Newcastle United alarm bells should have been ringing as soon as Anthony Elanga was announced in the team
To start Elanga away in the derby was either brave or stupid from Howe. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear it was the latter.
Who was Newcastle United’s most disappointing player vs Sunderland?
Feel free to list all of them in the comments 👀
It was always going to be a hugely physical game, which is something that Elanga has struggled with since arriving at St James’ Park for £55million. He has consistently been weak, while there has been a lack of fight at times. Just look at Elanga’s ‘attempt’ to block Cristian Romero’s goal against Spurs the other week.
For Howe to think that Elanga had the physicality to go to battle with Sunderland is worrying. As soon as he was named in the starting XI, alarm bells should have been ringing.
The Swedish speedster was bullied during Newcastle’s defeat to Sunderland, constantly giving the ball away and losing challenges. All he did was give the Black Cats more confidence, but the fact that Howe put him in that position is even more worrying.
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