Anthony Elanga had a big say in Newcastle’s first league away win of the season, and Eddie Howe expects him to keep getting better.
Anthony Elanga is settling into life at Newcastle United and will continue to get better and better, Eddie Howe has said following the winger’s influential performance in their 4-1 win at Everton.
Newcastle host Tottenham on Tuesday after claiming their first away league win of the season, cruising to victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium thanks to a Malick Thiaw double and goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade.
Elanga had been much criticised for his performances following his £55million move from Nottingham Forest, having failed to score a goal or register an assist across his first 18 appearances for the club in all competitions.
But the Sweden international made an impact from the off against Everton, his shot in the opening minute leading to the corner from which Thiaw opened the scoring. Elanga then got down the right wing late in the first half to tee up Woltemade to make it 3-0.
Elanga getting better and better
Elanga finding form would be a huge boost for Howe, whose side is blessed with significant depth on the wings between the former Manchester United forward, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon. Barnes is Newcastle’s joint-top scorer with seven goals, level with Woltemade.
And Howe is confident Elanga will continue on an upward trajectory.
Howe said of the 23-year-old: “I think the first transition of the game right from kick-off is him almost running the length of the pitch onto a great pass from Nick [Woltemade] and almost scoring, that set the tone for us in the game so I think he can be very pleased with his contribution to the game and how he is beginning to settle into life at Newcastle.
“It is a big change for any player. I am seeing a level, steady performer. I think he continues to get better and better.”
Howe out to avoid Anderson repeat
Miley excelled in the midfield for Newcastle as he was selected ahead of Sandro Tonali, delivering the corner for Newcastle’s opener before doubling their lead as his effort from just inside the area somehow crept below Jordan Pickford.
The teenager has been behind Tonali, Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton in the pecking order, but Saturday’s performance was a reminder of his promise as, at 19 years and 212 days, he became the second-youngest Newcastle player to score and assist a goal in the same Premier League game after Charles N’Zogbia against Blackburn Rovers in September 2005 (19y 113d).
Newcastle were forced to sell one academy product in Elliot Anderson in 2024. Midfielder Anderson joined Nottingham Forest in a sale made to comply with PSR regulations. Anderson has since gone on earn a place in the England team thanks to his continually impressive performances for Forest.
And, while Howe sees similarities between Miley and Anderson, he has no desire to allow the former out of the door despite the challenge he faces in trying to start regularly.
“There are definite parallels between Lewis and Elliot although they have had different journeys,” said Howe.
“From Lewis’ perspective, I’m determined to keep him here. I’m determined for him to have the career at Newcastle that I think he can have and have the effect he can have long-term and become synonymous with the football club for many years to come.
“That’s my hope and wish, but Lewis will be the determining factor in that in terms of how much he wants to be here, how his career continues to develop, what he gives to his training and development.
“He showcased his skills really well on Saturday, what he’s capable of doing. The confidence levels needed to execute that and he delivered a really good performance.”
Newcastle to be careful with Hall
Miley’s namesake Lewis Hall provided the cross for Newcastle’s fourth as Thiaw doubled his tally with a far-post header.
The left-back’s start to the season has been hindered by fitness issues after suffering a foot injury in February that kept him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
Hall’s return to the fray, combined with that of right-back Tino Livramento, has been key to an upturn in performances from Newcastle. Howe, though, will continue to be careful with Hall as the season enters a very busy period.
“We tried to do that [manage his return from injury] in his early steps of coming back,” Howe explained.
“It was really important we didn’t thrust him into starting too many games consecutively at that point but I think the time away with England [U21] was important to get him so robustness in terms of some 11v11 action over a two week period.
“They looked after him well and he came back, I think you can see towards the end of games he is fatiguing but hopefully that will improve as we go through.
“There also comes a time where we have to try and get him to play the minutes we need to play him. He is such an important player. He brings us unique qualities and we want him on the pitch as often as possible. Let’s see how he feels. We will always make the judgement call on the various tests we do in the build up to games.”
