Anthony Elanga spent most of Newcastle United’s Champions League win over Benfica as a spectator.
Geordie Boot Boys predicted that Anthony Elanga would be dropped in favour of Jacob Murphy, and that proved to be the case. The £55million man lost his place in the Newcastle United starting XI, having produced a poor performance in the defeat to Brighton.
While Eddie Howe praised Elanga after that game, it was the correct decision to take him out of the starting lineup.
It did not take long for Howe’s decision to be justified with Jacob Murphy setting up the first goal in Newcastle’s win over Benfica. It was an inch-perfect cross, as Anthony Gordon gave the Magpies the lead.
It was Murphy’s third assist of the season, while Elanga is yet to get off the mark. To make matters worse for the 23-year-old, another problem for him emerged on Tuesday night.
Anthony Elanga smiles as he arrives at St James' Park for the Champions League game between Newcastle United and Benfica.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Harvey Barnes shows Anthony Elanga up in Newcastle United win
Eddie Howe opted to freshen up his side in the 63rd minute, bringing on Harvey Barnes and Joelinton. Surprisingly, the former replaced Murphy on the right of attack.
Despite preferring to operate on the left, Barnes got the chance to show what he is capable of on the opposite flank. Turns out he is capable of a lot!
The 27-year-old scored two goals from that position, both of which were excellent finishes. While Nick Pope’s assist for the first has captured the headlines, Barnes’ finish was of the highest order.
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The £39million attacker then scored another lovely goal, capping off a great move that involved a delicate flick from Nick Woltemade.
Barnes seized his opportunity on the right of attack, which is something that Elanga has struggled to do in recent weeks. His current form is a concern, with two of his teammates shining in the position he wants to call his own.
Elanga was supposed to come in and hit the ground running in black and white. With November looming, you could argue that he is suddenly Newcastle United’s third-choice right winger after Tuesday night’s rout of Benfica.
Anthony Elanga will come good for Newcastle United
Other than a couple of bright Champions League appearances, Elanga’s start to life in black and white has not gone to plan. Given the fact he is one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever, that is disappointing.
However, it is still far too early to write the Sweden international off. Not every Newcastle United signing can come in and have an immediate impact like Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw.
Elanga only needs to look at Anthony Gordon to prove that fact. Gordon was amazing against Benfica, producing a man of the match display as he netted his fourth Champions League goal of the season. However, he was once in Elanga’s position at St James’ Park.
Gordon did not have an immediate impact following his £45million move from Everton. In fact, he had it even harder than Elanga.
The Scouser endured a challenging start to his Toon career, while an early bust-up with Eddie Howe away to Brentford raised questions over whether he was really suitable for this Newcastle United squad.
It took Gordon six months to find his feet on Tyneside. Since doing so, he has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best left wingers.
Elanga can do the same on the right, but it can take certain players time to adapt to Howe’s demanding style of play. Despite a string of underwhelming performances, hope should not be lost.