Anthony Elanga wowed Nicky Butt during latest Champions League performance
Nicky Butt has waxed lyrical over Anthony Elanga’s performance in Newcastle United’s 4-0 triumph over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle raced to a comprehensive win over Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) on Wednesday, 1 October, thanks to goals from Nick Woltemade and Harvey Barnes either side of Anthony Gordon’s brace of penalties.
The Magpies successfully earned their first victory of the Champions League campaign after previously being beaten by Barcelona on home soil.
In Belgium, Newcastle were good value for their triumph over USG, and can now look ahead to their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest full of confidence.
Anthony Elanga proves clinical as Newcastle thrash Union Saint-Gilloise
Newcastle are currently dealing with Tino Livramento’s injury setback, but proved way too good for their Belgian opponents to cope with regardless of the fullback’s absence.
Nicky Butt was particularly impressed with the performance of Anthony Elanga, who he used to coach at Manchester United, and told BBC One’s Champions League Match of the Day: “Great young player, obviously a bit older now, moved on a little bit, couple of clubs.
“Fantastic footballer, very, very pacy, but always struggled with the final bit of the game, the creative bit. The crosses, the goals. But now, he’s got to a level where he’s getting into the area, taking people on and putting some amazing balls in the box.
“He’s just matured over the last 18 months with that final little bit, and got to know his game. Instead of 100 miles per hour, he’s slowing himself down, getting into the right positions and really concentrating on putting that final ball in.
“One thing I really like about him is he’s direct as well. All his career he’s been direct and he knows what he wants to do. He wants to take his man on, get at him and try and create chances.
“The amount of good balls he put in tonight [Wednesday], it was amazing. It was a shame they didn’t get a goal off one of them.”
Speaking about Elanga winning a penalty for Newcastle, Butt added: “He’s out wide, and all he wants to do is get into the box, tempt the guy into a tackle and straight away it’s a penalty.”
Eddie Howe needs Elanga to haunt his former club in the Premier League
Newcastle successfully beat USG in the Champions League, bolstering their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages ahead of their home clash with Benfica on 21 October, which will see Jose Mourinho visit the North East.
| Anthony Elanga vs USG | Stats |
| Minutes played | 73 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Penalties won | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
However, the St James’ Park outfit’s form in the Premier League has left a lot to be desired, as they have earned just one win in six top-flight attempts.
Their clash with Nottingham Forest, who are yet to win since Ange Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as boss, offers Howe’s men a key opportunity to put three points on the board.
As outlined by Butt, Elanga is a dangerous asset who can cause defenders problems, and Howe needs the 23-year-old to perform against his former club.
The Sweden international is yet to produce a goal or an assist for Newcastle, which he will be keen to rectify against Postecoglou’s men at St James’ Park.