There were so many great stories from last night. Revenge over Man Utd after EIGHT changes, over 7,000 Geordies taking over Old Trafford, Livramento’s stunning assist, Hall’s first goal in senior football, Willock’s strike on his first start for six months and Sean Longstaff captaining his boyood club on his 150th appearance.
I could go on. But one man who deserves so much credit is Emil Krafth. Among all of the top performances, brilliant goals and magical scenes, the Swede didn’t put a foot wrong in his first game back from a serious ACL injury.
His last senior appearance was in August last year – almost 15 months ago – where he was stretchered off with his knee in a brace in our 2-1 win over Tranmere in the Carabao Cup.
Not only did he read the game superbly last night, show real composure and barely allow Martial or Hojlund a kick, he was playing in a role that’s largely alien to him. He’s a right-back, yet came in at centre-back alongside Paul Dummett; who himself has started just ONCE since that win at Tranmere last year.
This isn’t the first time Krafth has filled in admirably under Eddie Howe, as he was rock solid at right-back in Trippier’s absence two seasons ago, but to do it at Old Trafford on his first senior appearance for well over a year, in an unnatural position is testament to him.
Not many could put in such a polished performance in those circumstances. He won’t make the headlines, he may struggle for game time and may yet leave on a free at the end of the season, but he was the real winner last night.
Emil Krafth didn’t put a foot wrong on his return after 15 months out, the fact that he done it in his secondary position away at Old Trafford makes it even more impressive.
He was deservedly praised by Eddie Howe after the game. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/HuktwJusUp
— Arash Bahrami (@ashbahrami_) November 2, 2023
Once again, another player who was given an undeserved rough time by fans 2 years ago despite his obvious quality often showing through the awful management he received.
Tonytoon(Quote)