Newcastle United 'absolute threat' pushing to start against AFC Bournemouth
Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy both impressed during Newcastle United’s defeat to Barcelona.
Two Newcastle United players from the same position are pushing to start against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.
Both Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy made a positive impact on the right wing during the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night.
£55million summer signing Elanga started the match and his electrifying pace sparked fear into the Barca defence as he set up golden chances for Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
The 23-year-old played an hour at St James’ Park on his first start since the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on August 25 before being replaced by Murphy.
‘Absolute threat’ - Eddie Howe on Anthony Elanga’s performance v Barcelona
Commenting on Elanga’s performance, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “I thought he did well tonight. He was an absolute threat in the game. He's put in one lovely cross for Anthony Gordon to earn that chance early in the game.
“You could see his strengths – his pace, direct running, defensively and off the ball, he was fine. He's acclimatising to that role that we ask him to do, so I'm very pleased with him.
“I think he's going to be a very, very useful player for us this season. Certainly, I think he's made an impressive start. I think there's a lot more to come.”
Two assists in two games for Jacob Murphy
Murphy then came on and put in the cross that Gordon converted to pull a goal back in the 90th minute. It was the 30-year-old’s second assist in as many games after setting up Nick Woltemade’s debut goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday.
So, with both Elanga and Murphy feeling they deserve to start, how does Howe manage their frustration?
“I think they both understand, especially in a week like this week – and that's copy and repeat until Christmas for us,” Howe replied. “There's going to be enough football for both players.
“The big thing for me is whoever enters the pitch, whoever we decide to play, you want them at their best physical condition to execute what we ask them to do. We play an intense style, so the players if they are not playing need to be ready to come on and impact.
“I was pleased with the subs today and that will be absolutely crucial as we go through the season.”
Anthony Elanga or Jacob Murphy? Or both?
Elanga and Murphy have started two Premier League each so far this campaign, with Elanga starting the first two against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and Murphy the other two versus Leeds United and Wolves.
Howe revealed Murphy is nursing an Achilles issue, which could impact his decision-making when picking the team.
Or could it be that both start at the Vitality Stadium? Harvey Barnes has started all five games this campaign on the left wing but has struggled to make an impact. While Murphy is more suited to playing on the right, Elanga is capable of operating on both flanks as he is regarded as a two-footed player.