‘If you look’: Eddie Howe claims Newcastle’s £5m man was absolutely ‘excellent’ last night

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Newcastle beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at home to surely completely confirm their Premier League safety for next season.

Miguel Almiron’s first half goal earned the win for Eddie Howe’s men, who sit 11th in the table now, ahead of last night’s opponents.

Defender Emil Krafth has had his fair share of criticism during his time at Newcastle, but Howe was keen to praise him after the match, as per the club website.

“The whole team always have to contribute to defensive actions,” said Howe.

“If you look at Emil Krath, who was up against Wilfried Zaha, I thought he was excellent. Matt Targett was excellent.

“Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have performed really well for the team, but then in front of them they need the cover.

“Then you look at the work-rate of our midfield three and our wide-man, with Chris Wood included in that, I thought he did a really good job. It really was a team effort.”

£5 million (BBC) man Krafth may not be the man Newcastle need if they are to go to the next level; that’s why they signed Kieran Trippier.

But he is an international defender who can do a job when his role is simplified and focused around defending rather than attacking.

It is also testament to Eddie Howe that he has improved the players he inherited, giving them confidence and that is a major reason why Newcastle can plan for another season in the Premier League next term.