'That's harsh' - Eddie Howe doesn't like what he is told about Newcastle United summer signing
Newcastle United signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55million in the summer.
Eddie Howe insists he is pleased with Anthony Elanga’s start to life at Newcastle United.
Elanga became the Magpies’ first summer signing after joining from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest for £55million.
The 23-year-old started the opening two Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Liverpool but has since rotated with Jacob Murphy, who has started the previous three league games versus Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and AFC Bournemouth.
Elanga has started both cup fixtures in between those, first in the Champions League at home to Barcelona last week and then Wednesday’s Carabao Cup third round win over Bradford City.
‘That’s harsh’ - Eddie Howe on Anthony Elanga stat
Murphy has registered two assists this campaign, while Elanga has zero goal contributions so far.
When that was put to Howe, he replied: “I think that's a harsh one to say no goals or assists because statistically you're right but then you look at the chances he has created and sometimes it's not on him that players that he's served haven't scored and I always think that's a tough one.
“So if Nick scores, Jacob's cross with a header, he gets the assist but vice versa if someone misses that opportunity then that assist doesn't happen. I think he's done his job several times in the games that he's played, but hasn't ended up in an actual goal.
“I've been really pleased with his general contribution. I think he's looked a threat. I think you see what strengths he will bring, he has that raw pace and power that is so difficult to defend against.
“But of course I think he can get better and he can improve and we can help him do that as we continue to work with him.”
Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy available vs Arsenal
Murphy has been managing an Achilles issue and was therefore rested for the Bradford game in midweek.
Howe explained: “Yeah, he's doing okay. It's an issue that we're managing. Sometimes with Achilles tendon problems. they're sort of ongoing and players manage them. We've had several in the past few seasons who've done that.
“He's sort of in that place where he is fit and he's available and has been. But maybe certain days he's been quite sore, so we just try to manage his load.”
With Murphy expected to return to the matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal, Howe will decide who starts between the him and Elanga by also bearing in mind Wednesday’s Champions League visit to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and next Sunday’s clash against Nottingham Forest.