Newcastle star Anthony Elanga lashes out at Sweden boss as Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres struggle in shocking defeat

Last Updated on 14 October 2025

Kosovo scored after 32 minutes through Fisnik Asllani to break Swedish hearts at Ullevi. Sweden came close through star striker Alexander Isak but could not find an equalizer on the night.

That defeat to Kosovo puts Sweden’s chances of qualification for the World Cup at a huge risk.

Sweden had already lost 2-0 to Switzerland, earlier in October and that has put a lot of pressure on Jon Dahl Tomasson, the Swedish manager.

‘The damn system must go’ Anthony Elanga rips into the manager after another loss

The Newcastle United winger did not start for the second game in a row for Sweden and was visibly frustrated after the 1-0 loss to Kosovo.

According to the Radiosporten, via the Mail, Elanga blasted the manager and his system in the tunnel. The 23-year-old is clearly not a huge fan of Tomasson’s system amidst growing concerns from Swedish fans.

For three consecutive games, Sweden have not scored a goal, despite boasting two exceptional strikers. In fact, the last game time Sweden scored a goal, Anthony Elanga was also on the scoreboard, opening the scoring against Slovenia in September.

Speaking to the journalists, Elanga added, “We have worked on a system, on how we are going to play, then it may look a little different when you are on the field. It is also us who are on the field who have to take responsibility.”

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres’ early season struggles continue for club and country

The Premier League champions, Liverpool, and the current leaders, Arsenal, both went big in the transfer market on Swedish strikers.

Liverpool broke the British transfer record on deadline day to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, while Arsenal got the highly-rated Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.

While both strikers have managed to get off the mark for their new teams, they have not been at their best. In fact, they have scored zero goals for Sweden, so far, during World Cup qualification, in seven joint appearances.

For Isak, the problem has been his long, drawn-out saga over the summer, which saw him train on his own and miss a proper pre-season. Gyokeres, on the other hand, has been unlucky for Arsenal, getting quite a few opportunities but struggling to convert them on a regular basis.

Unfortunately for Sweden, this poor run of form comes at a terrible time, as they risk missing out on World Cup qualification.