Graeme Jones made two changes to Steve Bruce’s last starting-line up in charge of Newcastle for the trip to Crystal Palace, with Emil Krafth impressing.
Playing in a back three, the Swedish international vindicated his selection, unlike the other change to the Magpies XI which lost against Tottenham, Ryan Fraser.
The Scotland international wasted a huge opportunity following Jones’ decision to start the attacking player.
But the interim boss got his decision right with Krafth, who was making his first Premier League start since the opening weekend 4-2 defeat against West Ham.
Krafth to kick on for Newcastle
Playing to the right of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark, Krafth was coming up against a confident and in-form Christian Benteke, who is one of the most physical strikers in the Premier League.
Krafth nearly opened the scoring at Selhurst Park in the 15th minute, but his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Marc Guehi and Callum Wilson was unable to slot home the rebound.
The 27-year-old did lose Benteke in the 21st minute, but the Belgian’s header luckily came back off the post.
Not long after giving his team the lead, Benteke once again broke free from Newcastle’s centre backs and his header clipped the top of the bar.
He didn’t know too much about it, but Krafth played an influential role in our equaliser. The ball ricocheted off his head following a corner and into the path of Wilson, who hit an unstoppable overhead kick into the top corner to bring us level.
The Swedish international finished the match with the most touches (52) in the Newcastle side (WhoScored). He also had one shot on target and made a key pass.
The former Amiens man made four tackles, one interception, eight clearances and blocked two shots.
Krafth will be hoping his performance warrants a second straight Newcastle start ahead of Saturday’s home clash against league leaders Chelsea.
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