Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew was left disappointed with their Capital One Cup defeat at Manchester United.
Anderson and Tom Cleverley struck for the hosts, with Papiss Cisse puling one back for Toon.
"There are a lot of positives to take out of tonight," he said.
"The media can't hang that tag round Papiss' neck that he has not scored anymore.
"That goal means everything to him. There is nothing in his work-rate that has changed. Sometimes a goal can make a difference.
"You could see that little bit of exuberance return to his game with the overhead kick. I thought that was in."