Saturday night proved to be chastening experience for Newcastle United.
While the size of the victory over Aston Villa on the opening weekend raised fresh hope that Eddie Howe’s side would be able to end their hoodoo at Manchester City, that did not prove to be the case.
In truth, Newcastle struggled to lay much of a glove on City, amassing just one shot on target at the Etihad Stadium.
Though perspective must be applied given Newcastle were playing the treble winners, it was not the best account this team could have given of themselves on the attacking front.
Elliot Anderson, however, did at least try to change that.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The 20-year-old managed to play a key pass (via WhoScored), complete one dribble and play in one accurate cross during a cameo from the 65th minute onwards.
Given the lack of bite Newcastle had attacking wise, that’s impressive from a young player playing in difficult circumstances against perhaps the best team in the world.
Elliot Anderson posts message after Newcastle lose to Manchester City
Taking to Instagram after the game, Anderson wrote: “Dust ourselves down and go again.”
After an encouraging cameo, it might be time to unleash the academy graduate.
Anderson must be pushing to start against Liverpool
Primed for a big role this season, Anderson surely didn’t do his chances of starting against Liverpool on Sunday any harm.
The youngster at least tried to take the game to City, which certainly isn’t an easy thing to do.
After a promising pre-season and positive words from Howe, he hasn’t yet been handed a start.
If Newcastle are to really make an impact against a Liverpool team no one is quite sure about defensively, they could do an awful lot worse than letting Anderson of the leash.
Now feels like the right time.