Eddie Howe has expressed his concerns regarding the current state of Newcastle United’s squad. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United is having a challenging season, currently positioned 12th in the Premier League after 16 matches. While the entire team has faced difficulties, certain players have been particularly underperforming.
Anthony Elanga, a £55 million transfer from Nottingham Forest, has particularly struggled in front of goal, collecting just one assist in 24 games across all competitions. He is not alone in raising concerns among the fanbase at St James’ Park.
Concerns Regarding Elanga and Teammates
According to Football Insider, Mick Brown highlighted that both Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, fellow wingers alongside Elanga, are equally concerning for Eddie Howe and the club.
“Elanga’s performance is a worry given the investment. However, he is not the only player who has failed to meet expectations, which is contributing to the team’s struggles.”
“Gordon, in particular, has not reached the standards we expect from him. His lack of goals besides penalties for quite some time will also be a concern for both England and Newcastle. He hasn’t been able to impact matches significantly.”
“Barnes shows promise one week but disappears the next. This inconsistency, especially in the wing positions, is a major issue for Newcastle. Without effective wing play, it becomes challenging for the strikers to perform, and this has certainly contributed to the team’s difficulties this season.”
Is a New Winger Necessary in January?
Newcastle previously aimed to secure a right winger before Elanga joined. However, his performance has not provided the solution, indicating that securing another signing in this position before January could be a likely move, especially given the club’s financial flexibility.
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