The battle between Emil Krafth and Wilfried Zaha was a sight to behold last night – and the Newcastle United man came out on top.
After a couple of impressive performances from Krafth, he faced an incredibly tough opponent in Zaha. The Crystal Palace winger has had joy against Newcastle in the past, and is the Eagles’ talisman.
While Krafth’s recent form has been excellent, fans could have been excused for fearing the worst from that duel.
However, the Toon defender ended the night on the winning team, completing a hat-trick of exceptional performances.
Joy for Emil Krafth and misery for Wilfried Zaha
The first coming together went Krafth’s way, dispossessing the Ivory Coast international. From there, it was Krafth’s and Newcastle’s night.
And the picture below sums up their contrasting fortunes. Krafth is elated, while Zaha is dejected.
It was a night to forget at St James’ Park for Zaha. He never got going, and missed Palace’s best chance of the game. He also blazed an effort high over the bar in stoppage time.
The 29-year-old did not enjoy his time in the north. He was dominated by Bruno Guimaraes, while he couldn’t get the better of Krafth.
He became the pantomime villain in the second half, being met with boos from the Toon Army every time he touched the ball.
Newcastle bullied Zaha, who seemed to have a real problem with how many times Bruno took the ball off him. He’ll have been even unhappier after an altercation with Bruno and Miguel Almiron led to the only goal of the game.
The Magpies were brilliant in the first half, stroking the ball around with ease. And in the second half they showed their battling qualities, digging in for a sixth home win in a row and another clean sheet.
It moves Newcastle up to 11th and above Palace.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
