Anthony Elanga has taken to social media to reflect on his Newcastle United debut in a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.
With the summer the Magpies have had, many fans outside the club have forgotten that Eddie Howe’s recruitment team have done a lot of good business in the transfer window.
Three signings have been confirmed, with Jacob Ramsey’s unveiling at Newcastle United imminent. The midfielder is set to be announced as the club’s new midfielder, replacing the already departed Sean Longstaff.
Anthony Elanga made his debut for Newcastle on Saturday, playing the majority of their goalless draw away at Aston Villa. The 23-year-old nearly made it a dream debut just two minutes into the game when he broke through Villa’s backline, only to have his effort parried away by Marco Bizot. Elanga looked lively throughout, but was unable to get the goal contribution he was hoping for.
Eddie Howe said Elanga was ‘really good’ on his Newcastle debut, but the Sweden international has shared how he truly felt about the result.
Anthony Elanga takes a shot during a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Anthony Elanga says he ‘wanted more’ from his Newcastle United debut
While he did not register a goal involvement, Elanga played a part in the biggest talking point of the game. His through ball to Anthony Gordon led to Ezri Konsa being shown a red card by referee Craig Pawson, though the Magpies were unable to capitalise on having an extra player.
Elanga showed his rapid pace and immense dribbling ability throughout the game, and will soon have his next opportunity to impress when Newcastle take on Liverpool at St James’ Park next Monday.
It was not the dream debut he hoped for, and his social media comments reflected that.
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“Wanted more today,” Elanga said on his Instagram story.
“But the togetherness in this team will be key this season!! The travelling fans were amazing, and I can’t wait to see this next Monday!! HOWAY THE LADS.”
One Newcastle United player will be eager to play alongside Anthony Elanga this season
With a hectic season in the pipeline, there will surely be a lot of squad rotation in the busy periods. Newcastle will be playing two games a week at times, with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park and beyond.
Alexander Isak is still missing from Newcastle’s first team, leaving Gordon in his place. The backup option to the Englishman is William Osula. The striker is great friends with Elanga, with the pair meeting during their youth days at Manchester United.
Osula may have played a part in bringing Elanga to Newcastle, with footage of the latter modelling a black and white shirt being released after his unveiling.
There is no doubt that Osula will be desperate to play alongside Elanga at some point this season. The pair did not cross paths on Saturday, with Elanga already being substituted by the time Osula came on.
The Dane managed one effort on goal, which looked like it was going to challenge Bizot before being headed out by Tyrone Mings.