Elliot Anderson took another giant leap towards a Newcastle United starting place with an impressive cameo in the draw with Crystal Palace. The 19-year-old was introduced as the Magpies went in search of a deadlock-breaking goal.
Anderson was a like-for-like replacement with Ryan Fraser and slotted into the left wing position naturally. Eddie Howe has opted to use the youngster in a more central role of late but admitted he didn't want to disrupt the rhythm of his midfield three at that stage of the game.
With United failing to sign an extra wide man in the final days of the summer transfer window, Anderson's positive start out wide gives Howe an added option in attack until January. The teenager is likely to be used from the outset in the near future after his impressive start to the season.
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"I thought he was very bright," Howe said after the 0-0 draw. "We brought him on on the left as I thought the midfield three were doing well at that moment of the game.
"I didn't want to disrupt their rhythm when we had control of the game as sometimes if you make a change to an area that is functioning well, it can have a negative effect.
"So I put him wide because it's an area he can play very well. His chopping and turning in the box was very impressive. He put some lovely balls in with his left foot which we probably should have done better with.
"Very pleased with Elliot. He comes on, home game, lots of pressure on him but he still wants the ball in every moment. That's a big positive to take."
Speaking to nufc.co.uk, Anderson said: "Watching from the side, I thought we did really well and created so many chances whilst keeping the ball out of our own net.
"I think, to get to that next level, we need to put our chances away to start getting wins on the board. We've been very unlucky today, to be honest.
"We've been in the right areas and places but none of the chances seemed to hit the back of the net. For me, I'm trying to get that first goal and hoping it comes soon so I can start kicking on from there."
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