There is no doubt that in recent months Tim Krul has looked a shadow of the goalkeeper who was so-trusted by Louis van Gaal that he was brought on in order to help Holland qualify for the World Cup semi-finals - by saving two spot-kicks during the quarter-final penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica. However, against Leicester City and West Bromwich Albion Krul was not at fault for any of the goals - and in fact he helped keep the scoreline down at the King Power Stadium and he then helped the Magpies create a fairly solid base from which to build on against the Baggies. Victor Anichebe's header was right in the bottom corner and Krul could do nothing to prevent that. However, he did twice make crucial saves from Baggies substitute Saido Berahino in order to ensure the Magpies ended their eight-game losing run and secure what could prove to be a vital point. With Newcastle having so many defenders unavailable, Krul was - and will be - vital in giving the team confidence and a base from which to build on during the run in. He did the first part of his task admirably against West Brom - even when set-pieces were being defended abysmally as usual right in front of him. Let's hope he can continue to do so in the final two matches of the season.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
