Newcastle United have to dig deep to beat Southampton on Saturday.
A controversial red card shown to Fabian Schar made Newcastle’s task all the more difficult against the Saints, who looked impressive in patches at St James’ Park.
Still, Joelinton’s strike earned Eddie Howe’s side a crucial three points to get the Premier League season started with a victory.
Where last year, Newcastle put Aston Villa to the sword, Howe’s side had to rely on their defensive skills in order to get this one over the line.
Indeed, Howe was full of praise for Bruno Guimaraes after the game and was equally as keen to talk up the performance of one Emil Krafth.
Eddie Howe says Emil Krafth literally never lets Newcastle down
With defensive numbers reasonably low thanks to injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, Krafth – a full-back by trade – was forced into replacing Schar as Dan Burn’s partner.
Speaking to the Northern Echo after the game, Howe said of the Swede: “Emil came on in a difficult game, and I thought he was magnificent for us.
“He’s so reliable, has never let us down, and it was a brilliant performance from him.”
How well did Emil Krafth play for Newcastle against Southampton?
The defender isn’t always involved but is seemingly happy at the club, having recently suggested he would like to sign an extension to his contract, which expires next summer.
On this evidence, it may be worth it for Newcastle.
According to WhoScored data, only Burn made more clearances than Krafth (10 to 6) and nobody in Howe’s side made more blocks (2). The defender was also one of only four Newcastle players to win an aerial duel, too.
Howe was delighted by some of Krafth’s performances towards the end of last season too and it seems that form has continued over the summer.
He’s perhaps not the biggest name in the squad but there can be little doubting that Krafth is a valuable asset to have on the books.
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