Anthony Elanga once again struggled for Newcastle United on Saturday, but it was not all doom and gloom from the winger against Burnley.
The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes for just the second time in his Toon career in Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Burnley, deployed on the right of attack ahead of Jacob Murphy.
It was a fresh chance for Anthony Elanga to justify his £55million move to St James’ Park, but it ended up being another frustrating display from the Sweden international.
He was incredibly sloppy in possession, but there was at least one major positive to take away from his performance.
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Anthony Elanga’s crossing was excellent in Newcastle United’s 2-1 win against Burnley
Elanga did not get an assist in Newcastle United’s win over Burnley, but he certainly did his best to create opportunities for his teammates.
The Magpies’ number 20 put in some incredibly dangerous crosses in the second half, making use of the constant space he found himself in on the touchline.
Sadly for Elanga, his crosses were not headed home by a Newcastle United player. Despite that, the quality of the deliveries is reason for optimism. After all, it is an area he has been struggling in.
It was at least a more confident performance from the summer signing. It was his driving run in behind that forced the Burnley red card, while he was brave enough to have a couple of shots from distance.
However, he squandered his best chance to score his first Newcastle United goal, failing to get on the end of Anthony Gordon’s first half cross.
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It is obvious what Newcastle United must do against Sunderland despite Anthony Elanga improvement
Understandably, fans expected a lot more from Elanga. However, there have at least been signs of improvement in recent weeks.
Despite that, there is simply no way he can start the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland next Sunday.
That is going to be a full-blooded affair, with Eddie Howe’s players set to go to battle with the Black Cats.
Right now, Elanga cannot be trusted to start a game of this magnitude. Instead, the Newcastle United manager must select someone else on the right wing. It will be a toss up between Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy, who were unused substitutes against Burnley.