Newcastle: Anthony Elanga proves Magpies fans right as Swedish media raise familiar concerns
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(Credit: Imago, Getty) Newcastle: Anthony Elanga proves Magpies fans right as Swedish media raise familiar concerns Fri 27 March 2026 9:30, UK Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga has faced some familiar criticism after he endured another frustrating evening for Sweden on Thursday night. Graham Potter’s side defeated Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia to progress from their World Cup play-off semi-final, but the Magpies star failed to register a goal involvement during the game.Elanga started the game on the right side of a two-man attacking midfield alongside Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren, and was replaced in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the game.The 23-year-old has struggled for form at St James’ Park this season, and it was clear to see that his lack of form at club level carried over onto the international stage in midweek.
He was ineffective in Newcastle’s recent defeat to Sunderland, and Swedish media have been quick to heap further criticism on him after their latest victory as well. ⚽ Newcastle Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Newcastle United fixture. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Swedish media picks out same concern as Newcastle fansElanga has managed just four goal contributions for the Magpies since his £55million move from Nottingham Forest last summer, and the supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with him as the season has progressed.The wideman’s lack of consistency has been a major talking point on Tyneside in recent months, and he has only started 13 Premier League games amid some quiet displays.
That is a familiar complaint for Newcastle fans, who have been questioning the way that the forward drifts in and out of games since the start of the season, while his end product has also left a lot to be desired.Magpies’ purchase of Elanga has been a huge mistakeNewcastle fans have been ripping into Elanga all season, and he has looked a shadow of the player who racked up 17 Premier League goal involvements for Forest last term. He has just a solitary assist to show for his efforts in the league this time around, while a recent brace in the 7-2 defeat to Barcelona has done little to buy him more credit with the supporters.