Newcastle United are within touching distance of another season of European football.
Missing out on a second successive season of Champions League qualification is no doubt disappointing given the success of last year but Newcastle have been through a lot this time around.
It has been a truly turbulent campaign for Eddie Howe and his team but they are currently sit in the Premier League’s top six.
They could yet even finish in the top five, with Tottenham seemingly in freefall and only four points ahead – albeit with a game in hand.
To be in this position with so limited options is a remarkable bit of coaching work from Howe.
While it was promising to see the likes of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron return from injury for Saturday’s win over Burnley, Newcastle’s defence has been decimated by absences.
Both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are set to miss significant periods of time with ACL injuries. Fabian Schar, meanwhile, may not play again this season.
Without them, Howe has brought Emil Krafth back into the side. Now, not many Newcastle fans would have imagined the £5m defender playing such a prominent role almost three years after PIF’s takeover but they are the cards the club have been dealt.
Howe, for his part, is delighted with the Sweden international.
Eddie Howe says he’s “delighted” with Emil Krafth right now
Speaking after the game at Turf Moor, Howe said (via Lee Ryder on X, formerly Twitter): “A really good performance and I am delighted with how he’s fitted into the team.”
Emil Krafth is proving Newcastle’s contract decision right
Eyebrows may have been raised when the 29-year-old signed a new contract at the club earlier this year, such was his lack of involvement when all of Howe’s options were fit.
Still, he has played a role of late and will be needed from here on in as Newcastle look to qualify for the Europa League.
He may not be the most fashionable name around right now but Krafth is more than proving his worth.
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