Worse than Woltemade: Newcastle surely regret deal for 0% dud after 4/10 stinker vs Everton

Newcastle United suffered a frustrating 3-2 loss to Everton at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, a result that could have significant repercussions for Eddie Howe and his team selection moving forward. After another underwhelming display, patience may finally be running thin with Anthony Elanga, whose struggles in black and white continued on a day when Newcastle desperately needed inspiration.

The Magpies battled to get themselves back into the contest after falling behind, showing improved urgency after the break. Their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 82nd minute when substitute Jacob Murphy fired home an equaliser, sparking hopes of salvaging at least a point. However, those celebrations were short-lived. Just 72 seconds later, Thierno Barry restored Everton’s lead, punishing Newcastle’s defensive frailties and effectively sealing the game. Despite late pressure, the Toffees stood firm to claim all three points, leaving the home crowd stunned.

While Newcastle’s backline endured a difficult afternoon, conceding three goals and looking vulnerable under pressure, Howe may reserve his sternest assessment for the attacking unit. The forwards failed to provide the cutting edge required at key moments, and Elanga’s display once again highlighted the team’s ongoing issues in the final third.

Elanga’s Struggles Continue

Elanga, a Swedish international, arrived from Nottingham Forest last summer in a deal worth £55 million. The move came on the back of a breakout campaign in which he appeared poised to fulfil his immense potential. Expectations were high that he would bring pace, creativity and end product to Newcastle’s frontline.

Instead, his debut season on Tyneside has been deeply disappointing. Across 38 appearances in all competitions, Elanga has managed just one goal and one assist — a return far below what supporters and club officials anticipated for such a substantial investment. His performance against Everton encapsulated those struggles.

Statistics from Sofascore painted a bleak picture. The 23-year-old failed to complete any of his four attempted crosses and generated a meagre 0.02 expected goals (xG) throughout the match, underlining his limited attacking threat. He also surrendered possession on ten separate occasions before being withdrawn in the 56th minute. Local outlet Shields Gazette rated his display at just 4/10, reflecting a performance that offered little encouragement.

For a £55 million signing, Newcastle expected immediate impact. Elanga arrived with both Premier League and Champions League experience, suggesting he would adapt quickly and elevate the side’s attacking output. Instead, his form has regressed, prompting serious questions about whether the recruitment strategy has backfired. With each underwhelming outing, scrutiny grows louder.

Comparisons with Woltemade

Much of the spotlight earlier in the season had fallen on Nick Woltemade, who joined in a club-record move to fill the void left by Alexander Isak. Woltemade has endured criticism of his own, but he showed promising signs in the opening months and has at least demonstrated flashes of quality while adjusting to a new country and league.

Elanga, by contrast, cannot lean on the same adaptation argument. Having already played extensively in England, he was expected to settle seamlessly. Instead, his performances have been erratic and largely ineffective, raising doubts about his suitability at this level.

There is still time for the winger to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting young prospects in the league. At 23, his career remains on an upward trajectory in theory. But football is a results-driven business, and Newcastle are running out of time to climb the table and secure their objectives for the season.

Howe now faces a critical decision. Persisting with Elanga in the hope that confidence will return could pay dividends, but it also risks further costly dropped points. Alternatively, leaving him out of the starting lineup for the remainder of the campaign might send a strong message and provide opportunities for others to stake their claim.

What is clear is that Saturday’s defeat has intensified the pressure. If Newcastle are to salvage their season, improvements are needed swiftly — and that starts with greater consistency and end product from their attacking players.