On April 1, 2025, the City Ground erupted as Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the Premier League season. In a 1-0 victory over his former club, Manchester United, the 22-year-old Swedish winger showcased his blistering pace, covering 85 meters in just nine seconds to score a sensational solo goal that not only secured three points for Forest but also cemented his status as one of the league’s most dynamic talents.
Anthony Elanga ran 85 metres in 9 seconds WITH the ball in his counter-attack goal vs Man Utd ⌚️🔥 pic.twitter.com/x4bJaBn8yk
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2025
The Goal That Stole the Show
The match was barely five minutes old when Elanga seized his moment. It began with a Manchester United corner, cleared emphatically by Forest’s Ryan Yates. As the ball looped over the referee and landed just outside Forest’s 18-yard box, Elanga pounced. With his first touch, he controlled the ball with his studs, and what followed was a breathtaking display of speed, strength, and composure.
Clocked by TNT Sports at nine seconds, Elanga tore through United’s defense, covering 85 meters—three-quarters of the pitch—while being pursued by Alejandro Garnacho and Patrick Dorgu. Garnacho’s desperate slide tackle left him sprawling, and Dorgu struggled to keep up as Elanga surged into United’s half. With Noussair Mazraoui hesitating, Elanga exploited the gap, drove into the box, and calmly slotted a low left-footed shot past goalkeeper Andre Onana into the bottom corner.
“I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league, and to back that, I had to show it on the pitch,” Elanga said post-match, speaking to TNT Sports. “It’s about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can.”
“I believe I’m one of the fastest players in the league, and to back that I had to show it on the pitch and that's what I did." ⚡
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2025
Anthony Elanga reacts to THAT goal against Man United for the first time ⭐
🎙 @lynseyhipgrave1 | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/J3gFdQ7xtH
Elanga’s 85-meter sprint goal wasn’t just a moment of individual brilliance; it was a statement. It showcased his evolution from a raw talent at United to a versatile, selfless, and lethal weapon at Forest.
With his move to Newcastle expected to happen, Elanga’s pace will make Newcastle United's front three even more terrifying for defenses next season. Gordon/Barnes, Isak and Elanga is scary just to think about.
Olympic Sprinter?
Anthony Elanga recently posted himself sprinting 100m in just 10.93 seconds via @STATsports. He reached a top speed of 39.75km during his attempt, as shown in the video below. Freakish athlete to say the least.
Anthony Elanga doing speed work in off-season with @builtnotbornuk
— STATSports (@statsports) July 7, 2025
Hitting a 10.93secs over 100m from a standing start.
Clocked at 39.75 km/h top speed using our GPS unit.
One of the fastest footballers on the planet. Always doing the extras. pic.twitter.com/s4WaINdTbK
