Anthony Elanga’s first Premier League assist for Newcastle United was very well received by Nick Woltemade.
Elanga did win a penalty from which Anthony Gordon scored against Union Saint-Gilloise in October but hadn’t otherwise been directly involved for a goal since joining Newcastle United.
That all changed on Saturday, however, as Newcastle United beat Everton 4-1.
Who was your MOTM against Everton?! So many to choose from, let us know your thoughts…
Indeed, Elanga finally recorded an assist for Newcastle in the Premier League, pouncing upon a mix-up in the Everton defence to tee up Woltemade for his brilliant lob over Jordan Pickford.
It’s also worth remembering that Elanga’s shot in the opening few seconds of the game forced the early corner from which Malick Thiaw subsequently scored.
Elanga has had an underwhelming start to life at the club but Woltemade was happy for his first assist.
Nick Woltemade thanks Anthony Elanga for Newcastle United assist
Like many of the other Newcastle players, Elanga celebrated the victory on social media platform Instagram.
The former Nottingham Forest star didn’t caption it but simply posted a collage of images from the win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Joe Willock replied too but it was Woltemade’s comment that will be most interesting to supporters.
He simply wrote: “Thank you.”
A first assist for Anthony Elanga! And how about that finish from Nick Woltemade?
Anthony Elanga gets Eddie Howe’s seal of approval after assisting against Everton
During his post-match press conference, Eddie Howe was asked about his summer signings playing a huge role in the victory on Merseyside.
Thiaw bagged a brace, while Woltemade’s brilliant goal against Everton will live long in the memory.
The fact it was set up by Elanga is all the more pleasing. It was the Swede who harried the Everton defence and pounced upon their mistake.
Asked about their performances, Howe said: “All three players that you mention [Thiaw, Woltemade and Elanga] there can easily do well in the team.
“Just some take longer to get to grips with, tactically, how we do things or our style of play.
If Malick Thiaw wasn’t your MOTM against Everton, who was?
“I’m pleased with all three players that you mentioned. All the summer signings, I believe, are good players and will help us long-term.
“It was great to see Nick score again and Anthony assist him.”
Jacob Murphy may well come back into the team when Newcastle host Tottenham at St James’ Park on Tuesday, given Howe’s rotational policy.
Still, this is at least a platform upon which Elanga can build.
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