It’s fair to say that, perhaps with the exception of Bruno Guimaraes and Malick Thiaw, our entire XI should be thinking long and hard about the quality of their performance against Sunderland this past Sunday.
We were second best for the entire game, and even our most dependable players like Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento had an afternoon to forget at the Stadium of Light.
But the wingers in particular produced perhaps their poorest performance to date, as the duo of Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon simply could not get going at all in one of our biggest games of the season so far.
Elanga’s performance in particular has attracted significant criticism, and has lead to an increased number of questions from both fans and former players alike over just how what it will take for him to rediscover even half of his Nottingham Forest form in the North East.
Shearer baffled by Elanga move
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer questioned why Elanga was given the nod at right wing for the derby, ahead of a player like the experienced Jacob Murphy or more in-form Harvey Barnes.
Elanga has struggled for goals and confidence since his £55m move from Nottingham Forest, and Shearer brother it was a mistake that backfired to throw him in on such on such a big occasion.
“That was another big surprise to me (that Howe picked Elanga).
”I think (it was) another one that Eddie got wrong today, because Elanga has been poor at Newcastle.
“He’s carrying a heavy price tag through no fault of his own, hasn’t played well, one or two on his back.
“I thought for Eddie to put him in the biggest pressurised situation in the derby game away, ahead of Murphy, I thought that backfired as well.”
Early signs a huge concern
Since arriving from the City Ground, Elanga has yet to show any sign of player that finished third in for assists in the Premier League last season.
Against Reinildo on Sunday, Elanga completed 0 take ons, didn’t have a single shot, and won none of his duels before being substituted around the hour mark.
With just a single assist to his name in the league this season, no goals, and a poor Champions League return aside from the game against Union Saint-Gilloise, time is rapidly running out for the winger to show he deserves to be a starter moving forward.
Elanga seems unlikely to start tomorrow against Fulham in the Carabao Cup, and it would be a surprise if Howe gives him the nod against Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in our next league games on Saturday.
The parallels to Anthony Gordon’s own first season are clear to see, and it wasn’t until the first full season after signing that we got to see Gordon play his best football for us: here’s hoping that Elanga is on a similar high trajectory, but obviously one that comes much, much sooner.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
