"He's impressing me" - Howe picks out Newcastle duo for praise ahead of Spurs

Saturday's win at Everton could be a turning point in our season, not just benefiting Newcastle as a team but feeling like a big game for a few individuals.

Eddie Howe made six changes and they all paid off, with Anthony Elanga and Lewis Miley both enjoying influential displays on their return to our starting XI.

It was Elanga's first league start since our 2-1 defeat at Brighton in mid-October and just Miley's second in the league all season, but they delivered with two assists and a goal between them.

Elanga delivered his first goal contribution in the league by setting up Nick Woltemade's immaculate lob, while Miley  crossed for Malick Thiaw's opener before firing past Jordan Pickord to make it 2-0.

Discussing both ahead of tomorrow's clash with Spurs, Howe praised Elanga's pace on the break and revealed that the Swedish winger is now finding his rhythm at the club after a period of adjustment since his £55m arrival from Forest:

“The first transition of the game right from kick-off is him running the length of the pitch onto a pass from Nick and almost scoring.

“That set the tone for us and he can be very pleased with his contribution. He’s beginning to settle into the rhythm of life at Newcastle because it is a change for any player.

“I see a very level, steady performer and I think he’ll continue to get better and better.”

On Miley, Howe revealed that the Geordie talent has been impressing him in training and was in the side on merit, praising his quality, calmness and confidence on the ball, alongside his goal and assist:

“He’s there on merit and he’s fighting for a starting place.

“He’s impressing me with how he’s training and how he’s preparing himself for every opportunity he gets.

“It was a big moment for him on Saturday. He wanted the ball, he was very good with the ball, that was key for us.

“He played with calmness and control. He set a goal up, scored a goal – it couldn’t have gone any better, really.”

The question now is will both keep their place against Spurs tomorrow?

On the right, Jacob Murphy will be pushing to get back into Howe's XI, but is this now Elanga's chance to build on Saturday's assist and go again against an out of sorts Spurs side?

For Miley, Sandro Tonali is very likely top return to the 11 and Bruno Guimaraes is rarely rotated. However, it would be harsh on Miley to see him drop out. If Joelinton keeps his place or one of Jacob Ramsey or Joe Willock comes in, I am sure we'll see him against Burnley on Saturday.