Anthony Elanga of Newcastle United looks dejected at full time after conceding a late goal to draw in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on December 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Anthony Elanga of Newcastle United looks dejected at full time after conceding a late goal to draw in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park on December 02, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Anthony Elanga has struggled at Newcastle United after joining from Nottingham Forest in the summer for £55m.
The former Manchester United winger arrived from Nottingham Forest in the summer for £55million but despite his Premier League experience has failed to hit the ground running on Tyneside.
The 23-year-old recently missed five matches with a knee issue but was back in action on Tuesday night as he came on as a 69th-minute substitute in the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat at home to Manchester City.
Still, Elanga’s record doesn’t make for great reading, registering just one assist in his opening 26 appearances - 11 of which have been starts - while he is yet to score his first goal.
Eddie Howe backs Anthony Elanga to come good at Newcastle United
In defence on his summer recruit, Howe said: “It's a difficult one for Anthony because he comes on very late in the game, he’s had minimal minutes, he's just come back from an injury, so he hasn't trained regularly, and of course, every time you step on the pitch you get judged straight away.
“There are a couple of really nice things. The margins between success and failure for the team and for the individuals are always so small.
“I think Anthony will be fine. I think he's an incredible professional. I think my big wish is that he plays in an environment where he feels safe and he feels free to express himself.
“I think there's no denying his ability and the qualities that he can bring to the team. He'll need a bit of time to find his best form but I'm confident he'll get there.”
Eddie Howe wants Anthony Elanga to feel the love at Newcastle United
Howe cited Joelinton and Anthony Gordon as two examples of why people should be patient with Elanga. And to help Elanga’s cause, Howe wants everyone show him some love.
Howe added: “I think my message to everyone is let's love and enjoy the players that we have and try and help them find their best form and that's the same for everybody.
“We've seen players here, even under my tenure, that have taken a while to find their best rhythm. You think back to Anthony Gordon, Joelinton, there are plenty of examples where it's just taken a little bit of time.
“We see Anthony every day, we see his qualities. He's a unique player, there are many like him and he has serious qualities that we need. So let's bring love to all our players.”
Continue Reading