Eddie Howe has a ‘big problem’ with three Newcastle first-XI stars
Eddie Howe is concerned about the performances of his wide options at Newcastle amid frustrations surrounding Anthony Elanga’s recent displays.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Elanga, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes‘ collective displays are a worry.
The Magpies could look to land a new winger in the January transfer window, and while it is not a priority as things stand, their concerns are growing.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Howe is concerned about Elanga and disappointed in his performances after the £55million outlay to sign him.
Meanwhile, Gordon is without an assist or open play goal in the Premier League this season, and Barnes’ inconsistent displays have seen him drop off again.
Eddie Howe concerned about three Newcastle stars
Newcastle fans savaged Elanga following their defeat to Sunderland after what was another disastrous display from the winger as he failed to make an impact.
However, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted he will not be the only concern for Howe given his other options’ lack of form.
“Elanga’s form is a concern for Newcastle given the money they spent,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s not only him, though, there are a few players at Newcastle who haven’t quite lived up to expectations so far this season, and that’s why they’re struggling.
“Gordon, for example, hasn’t been anywhere near the level we expect of him.
“That will be a concern for England as well as for Newcastle, he hasn’t scored a goal other than penalties in god knows how long and hasn’t managed to influence games.
“Then there’s Barnes, one week he’ll really impress and then the next you won’t see him.
“So those wide areas are a big problem for Newcastle, and if you can’t create anything out wide, it makes it difficult for the strikers to do their jobs.
“It’s definitely one of the reasons they’ve struggled so much this season when you look at the players who just aren’t quite where you’d want them to be”.
Newcastle injuries add to Howe’s concerns
Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle’s frustrations have grown following their midweek clash with Fulham after yet another injury blow.
Newcastle beat Fulham 2-1 to progress into the Carabao Cup semi-final last time out, but the occasion was marred by Tino Livramento suffering yet another blow.
The 23-year-old has suffered multiple injuries already this season, and Howe has since confirmed Livramento’s latest injury is “worrying”.
Meanwhile, the likes of Yoane Wissa, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier have all suffered with fitness issues, leading to inconsistencies on the pitch.
In what has proved to be a frustrating season despite their progress in the Carabao Cup and Champions League, Howe’s concerns have only been worsened by their growing list of injuries.
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