
Newcastle blinded by Anthony Elanga, 2024-25 star man should now get key starting role
Newcastle continue to start Anthony Elanga despite his underwhelming performances since his arrival from Nottingham Forest.
Elanga joined Newcastle over the summer in a deal worth up to £55million as Eddie Howe sought to bolster his attack.
Yet, the Sweden international has been bitterly disappointing, failing to register a single attacking involvement since making the move from the City Ground.
Ahead of the Magpies’ Champions League clash against Benfica on 21 October, the former Bournemouth manager will have to change his approach over consistently starting the summer signing as he denies a fan favourite a deserved spot in the first team.

Elanga flops against Brighton as his troubles laid bare for Newcastle
In the wake of the 2-1 defeat to Brighton on 18 October, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Howe needs to quickly turn around Newcastle’s form.
The Toon were second best to the Seagulls with the ex-Cherries boss’ decision to start Elanga falling incredibly short.
The 23-year-old failed to register a single shot on goal, nor provide any creative impetus in attack, as Nick Woltemade was starved of any real service in the first 45 minutes.

This continues a worrying trend for the former United academy product of struggling to adjust to life on Tyneside as his manager keeps hoping his price tag will pay off.
The number 20 racked up 20 touches in the first half before being hooked off at the interval with Howe clearly unimpressed by his shoddy display.
Jacob Murphy has been demoted by Newcastle
Jacob Murphy, the surprise 2024-25 sensation, was the replacement for Elanga during the defeat to Brighton as he quickly restored some pace and desire to the right-hand side.
The ex-Norwich City man registered one key pass and attempted seven crosses, showing his intent to make something happen unlike the Swede who mustered one cross.

Murphy also won all four of his duels, highlighting his importance in defence as well as going forward.
The performance from the Englishman is a strong sign that Howe must look past Elanga’s hefty price tag to drop him to the bench.
Woltemade thrives off pinpoint balls into the box and, against Benfica, his aerial presence could be the difference between the Magpies hitting the back of the net or not.
Selected stats vs Brighton (18 October) | Anthony Elanga | Jacob Murphy |
Minutes played | 45 | 45 |
Key passes | 0 | 1 |
Crosses (successful) | 1 (0) | 7 (2) |
Duels (won) | 4 (2) | 4 (4) |
Touches | 20 | 32 |
Elanga has simply not hit the ground running at St James’ Park and the reliability of Murphy must be utilised by Newcastle to provide superb service to their towering frontman.
Indeed, the Toon do not want to leave the former Forest winger rooted to the bench, but form is the strongest indicator of who merits a start, with the ex-Sheffield Wednesday attacker demonstrating his excellent quality right now.