‘Really strange’ – Eddie Howe explains Anthony Elanga struggles at Newcastle

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has offered a robust defence of Anthony Elanga, admitting it is “really strange” that the winger’s impact has been judged so harshly despite what he believes are clear signs of quality beneath the surface.

Elanga arrived on Tyneside in July for £55million from Nottingham Forest, becoming Newcastle’s first signing of the summer. Expectations were high given his Premier League experience and productive 2024/25 campaign, but his numbers this season have failed to reflect that promise.

The 23-year-old is still waiting for his first goal in a Newcastle shirt and has registered just two assists in 25 appearances, only 11 of which have been starts.

Scrutiny intensified again during last weekend’s match against Chelsea, when Elanga burst onto Aaron Ramsdale’s quick throw late on, using his pace to get clear before firing narrowly wide instead of squaring the ball to Harvey Barnes or Yoane Wissa.

For many, it summed up his struggles. For Howe, it illustrated the opposite.

“I think it’s really strange,” Howe said ahead of Newcastle’s Boxing Day visit to Manchester United. “If you put all his best moments together in a Newcastle shirt, you’d have a showreel of a player with unbelievable attributes who’s done some really, really good things for the team.

“Even that moment on Saturday — not many other players get into that position. They don’t have his speed or athleticism to get there in the first place.”

Howe pointed to psychological factors rather than technical limitations as the root of Elanga’s struggles.

“A lot of it comes with feeling, confidence, and belonging,” he explained. “When you come to a new club, the quicker you feel those things, the better player you’ll be.

“I really believe in him. That’s never wavered. I see the professional he is, how hard he works behind the scenes — one of our best trainers every single day.”

Having followed Newcastle closely this season, Elanga’s work rate and tactical discipline have been evident, even when his attacking output has lagged. Howe appears determined not to let short-term numbers undermine long-term belief.

The timing of Howe’s defence is notable, with Newcastle travelling to Old Trafford today on Boxing Day to face Elanga’s former club, Manchester United. It presents an opportunity for the winger to respond on a high-profile stage.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about his long-term impact. Much will depend on whether confidence grows and end product follows — something Howe remains convinced will happen.

Newcastle’s festive fixtures offer Elanga chances to rebuild momentum, with rotation likely across the busy period. Howe’s backing suggests patience will continue, but competition for wide roles remains fierce. A decisive contribution over the next few weeks could quickly change the narrative around his season.

Will Anthony Elanga reward Eddie Howe’s faith, or do Newcastle need more immediate end product from their £55m winger?