The latest Newcastle United news as a two time Premier League winner has questioned why Anthony Elanga was taken off following a positive performance for Sweden
Anthony Elanga celebrates scoring for Sweden against Slovenia
Anthony Elanga celebrates scoring for Sweden against Slovenia
(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg admitted he was “very surprised” to see Anthony Elanga substituted after 64 minutes for Sweden.
The 23-year-old Newcastle winger started alongside the Gunners' Viktor Gyokeres in Sweden’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, with both forwards selected ahead of the unfit Alexander Isak.
Elanga opened the scoring in the first half and was one of the most energetic players on the pitch. However, the game finished 2-2 after Swansea’s Zan Vipotnik struck a stoppage-time equaliser for Slovenia.
Despite Elanga’s strong performance, Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson opted to withdraw him with almost half an hour still to play - a decision Arsenal icon and double Premier League winner Ljungberg has questioned.
He told Aftonbladet: "Inside, he is probably very, very surprised. Because in the first half, he was definitely the best player on the pitch. He looked dangerous every time. The fact that he was substituted, I have to say, is the only thing in the match that surprises me."
Sweden's forwards Alexander Isak (R) and Anthony Elanga attend a training session with Sweden's national team in Bosön in Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, on September 2, 2025.
Sweden's forwards Alexander Isak (R) and Anthony Elanga attend a training session with Sweden's national team in Bosön in Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, on September 2, 2025.
Elanga himself admitted he didn’t know why he had been taken off. The Newcastle forward told reporters: "I have no idea, but for me it does not matter. I just want the team to win.
"If I am substituted and another player comes on, as long as they can also do the job, that is the important thing for me."
When asked whether fitness was a factor, the Swedish international dismissed those claims: “Absolutely [I can play 90 minutes]. I have a lot of energy, but maybe we needed something new. I only care if we win. If we don’t win, we’re not satisfied."
Elanga joined Newcastle for £55m this summer, with many fans hoping to see him line up alongside Isak.
That dream was cut short by Liverpool’s £125m move for the striker, though the pair can still play together for Sweden. For Friday’s qualifier, however, Tomasson decided Isak was not fit enough to feature.
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