It was a case of what might have been for Newcastle United against Chelsea
Anthony Elanga of Newcastle United reacts dejectedly after a missed chance against Chelsea
Newcastle United’s German star Nick Woltemade has praised the Toon faithful after they chanted his name loudly at St James’ Park against Chelsea.
Woltemade was treated to plenty of support before he netted a brace against Chelsea but moved on quickly from his own goal horror only last weekend by grabbing a couple at the right end. His dark moment against Sunderland has resulted in fans from Wearside mocking him on social media after his header handed the Wearsiders the points.
But United fans helped him move on in style in his next Premier League start with an uplifting round of songs for the Germany international.
After the game, Woltemade admitted to Premier League productions: “Last week the game was not good for me – the own goal was not a good feeling. I saw on Wednesday how the fans supported me, so I wanted to give it back.
“It’s not normal to score an own goal in a derby and then next game the supporters are singing your name! It gave me such a good feeling, and I wanted to repay them, and I’m glad I could.”
The only regret for Woltemade was that Newcastle failed to hold on to three points, and his hopes of a hat-trick were ended late in the game as he was taken off for Yoane Wissa.
Anthony Elanga moment that could have ignited Newcastle career
Let’s face it, if anybody needs a Premier League goal right now, it’s Anthony Elanga.
The £55million signing from Nottingham Forest has not been able to recover the form he showed at the City Ground. During his Forest career he grabbed 21 assists and 11 goals.
But he has not looked like scoring for Newcastle so far with just one Premier League assist to his name. Although the lack of goals could and should have changed in the 85th minute when Aaron Ramsdale spotted he was free and hurled a ball in his direction.
As Elanga skipped past his man, it looked like he had done the hard work, only to send it wide. But Newcastle fans were complaining because he opted to shoot rather than roll it to either Yoane Wissa or Harvey Barnes. Either way, an assist or a goal would have done him wonders.
Anthony Elanga shoots wide against ChelseaNewcastle must now pick themselves up quickly
The hard work for Newcastle is only just beginning as they face some festive training at Benton to prepare for the trip to Old Trafford on Boxing Night.
Newcastle won this fixture at a canter last season in an end-of-year victory against their bitter rivals. With Man United a hit and miss outfit, perhaps we should not get too low after the Chelsea draw.
However, Newcastle must shake off their vulnerability in matches or pay a big penalty for the shoddy defending that is keeping them down in the table.