'Wanted more': Anthony Elanga reacts to mixed Newcastle United debut as winger looks forward to St James' Park bow
Anthony Elanga made his Premier League debut for Newcastle United on Saturday at Villa Park.
The £55 million signing from Nottingham Forest almost got off to a dream start with a lightning-quick break after just three minutes, going through one v one with Villa's new goalkeeper, Marco Bizot, for what looked to be a certain goal, but the Dutch stopper made himself big and parried the shot away from danger.
It was an early indication of just how dangerous Anthony Elanga can be, though. Indeed, there were several times during the game that the pace of him and Anthony Gordon caused Aston Villa real problems, none more telling than when Ezri Konsa fouled Gordon when he was clean through on goal, resulting in a straight red card.
The issues came in the final moments of the attacks, though. Anthony Gordon is not a striker and lacks that killer instinct, and with nobody to aim for in the middle, Elanga just looked lost after doing all the hard work. It's something that will come in time, especially when we sign a centre-forward.
Anthony Elanga wanted more from his Premier League debut with Newcastle
Taking to Instagram after the game, Elanga shared his thoughts on his debut on his Stories, where he mentioned his excitement at getting started at St James' Park next week.
“Wanted more today.
“But the togetherness in this team will be key this season!! The travelling fans were amazing, and I can’t wait to see this next Monday!! HOWAY THE LADS.”
Newcastle United are gearing up for a 'spicy' atmosphere next week
Elanga's only taste of St James' Park as a Newcastle United player was during the Sela Weekender, but those atmospheres are vastly different to a Premier League game.
He's obviously been on the receiving end as an opposition player, but when the Toon Army are at your back, it's an entirely different feeling, according to many players past and present.
The atmosphere a week on Monday promises to be something special with Liverpool coming to town after a summer of trying to unsettle and destabilise Newcastle by tapping up our most valuable player.
Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn all told TNT Sports after full-time yesterday that they're looking forward to the 'spicy' atmosphere next week. We're sure they won't be disappointed.
