Newcastle fans all noticed the same issue Anthony Elanga faced vs Aston Villa on his first Premier League start

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Anthony Elanga struggled on his first Premier League outing for Newcastle United as they were held to a goalless draw with Aston Villa.

Eddie Howe’s team were unable to capitalise on Villa going down to ten men following Ezri Konsa’s red card for the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.

Both teams will head away from Villa Park somewhat pleased with a point, as Villa struggled on Saturday afternoon and Newcastle United will know that it is a tough fixture out of the way.

For Elanga, it was his first competitive game for his new club, and Newcastle’s supporters are all making the same point after the match.

Newcastle fans think Anthony Elanga won’t flourish until they sign a striker

Newcastle fans were disappointed by Anthony Elanga’s first Premier League start for them, but believe they won’t see the best of him until they’ve signed a striker.

Elanga, who Newcastle signed for £55m, had a tough afternoon in the Midlands as he spurned one big chance in the first half, which could have won it for his team. But there is a sense that without a striker, he and the Toon’s other attackers will struggle.

Alexander Isak’s absence from Newcastle’s squad is a significant blow, and it was evident against Villa. Paul Merson predicted Newcastle to lose against Villa because they were without Isak.

Newcastle are still working to sign Yoane Wissa and a deal is close, but they could have done with him being available in their opening Premier League match.

Following the draw away at Villa Park, Newcastle fans took to X to share their thoughts on the situation and have called for a striker to be signed.

One fan said: “Tough debut for Elanga, feel like we won’t see the best from him until we get a proper striker link up for him.”

“Elanga’s showing serious potential. Any striker watching must be happy with that,” added another supporter.

There were further calls for a striker to be signed: “Lack of striker very obvious. Elanga should have scored his chance early on. Been very impressed with the pressing.”

Finally, another fan added: “Obviously, we need a striker and Elanga will get better once one is signed.”

It was a disappointing first Premier League start for the former Nottingham Forest star, but when he has that presence in attack to link up with, it will be tough to issue a proper verdict.

Nicolas Jackson looking a likely target for Newcastle United

TBR Football understands that Nicolas Jackson wants to join Newcastle after Wissa, and he could be signed as the replacement for Isak.

Newcastle are ready to accelerate their interest in Wissa, with Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara set to sign for Brentford.

But once a deal for Wissa is complete, Jackson could be the next player to arrive at St James’ Park, with the striker expected to leave Chelsea.

The 25-year-old is high up on the Magpies’ list of striker targets, and TBR Football now understands he is the most likely candidate to come in for Isak.