A number of Newcastle United supporters have bemoaned the “terrible” performance of Emil Krafth during the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Monday night.
The Magpies headed into the game aiming to build on the two wins they secured in their last three Premier League matches, but they were unable to build on that momentum against an in-form home side whose quality proved too much for them in the final third. The result leaves Steve Bruce’s side 17th in the table with now just a seven-point cushion on the relegation zone.
One player who endured a particularly difficult evening at Stamford Bridge was Krafth, with the 26-year-old having come back into the side due to the injury suffered by Javier Manquillo. However, on his first start since the 3-0 loss at Arsenal last month, the Sweden international was left isolated as he struggled to contain Timo Werner.
Krafth was beaten far too easily on a number of occasions by the German, with one of those leading to the all-important opening goal of the game after the Chelsea forward skipped past him with ease and delivered a dangerous cross. The defender was also guilty of giving the ball away 16 times during the game, while he managed to make just one interception and one clearance and failed to win a single tackle (Sofascore).
Newcastle fans lament Krafth’s performance v Chelsea
Many Newcastle fans were left frustrated by the right-back’s performance and, although there was some acknowledgment that he was left exposed at times, there was still criticism over his display and the lack of impact he brought to the team in either a defensive or attacking sense.
https://twitter.com/VinayK1991/status/1361418351612891139?s=19
Absolutely no point having Krafth on the pitch. I'd rather stick Murphy there, at least he'll have the pace to keep up with Werner. It's tragic watching him. Giving Yedlin away to save a salary is pure neglect. #NUFC
— ◾Carl◾ (@Tyneside82) February 15, 2021
Krafth is one of the worst right backs I've ever seen #nufc
— ???? (@_joshallsopp) February 15, 2021
Krafth is absolutely terrible ?♂️ gayle has offered absolutely nothing also. Game over ? #nufc #backtonormal
— ??PAUL OXLEY?? (@paulnufc1892) February 15, 2021
Krafth is a terrible player. Offers nothing going forward and never gets a block in one on one. Bruce's eye for a player strikes #nufc #chelnew
— Craig Lindsay (@craig_426) February 15, 2021
Krafth is having a shocker again too. #nufc
— Liam (@_liamoo) February 15, 2021
Krafth is useless. Always out of position, lets players run at him with ease.#NUFC
— Shane Saunders (@ShaneSaunders88) February 15, 2021
Emil Krafth should be nowhere near the Prem, League One fodder him #nufc
— denzil (@denzhendy) February 15, 2021
