Tuesday night was a good one for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe and his side put a run of four defeats on the spin behind them in very convincing fashion indeed as Newcastle became the first team to beat Aston Villa in their own backyard in the Premier League this season.
It was a fantastic performance from the off, making it three away wins in a row after some previously pretty dire form on the road this season.
While Fabian Schar scored twice, Howe paid special mention to another player after the game.
Jacob Murphy: Eddie Howe praises Newcastle star after win over Aston Villa
Speaking to TNT Sports, Howe was effusive in his praise of Jacob Murphy, who forced an own goal from Alex Moreno to take the game fully away from Villa.
“I think when you see how hard he has worked, he has been out injured with a dislocated shoulder, and he was a huge loss for us,” he said.
“He has now played 70 minutes and 90 minutes in a week. He worked really hard to get back. His professionalism is top drawer and he is a really good player.”
Jacob Murphy: Huge boost for Newcastle
The 28-year-old’s return gives Howe one of his most dependable players back and also affords Miguel Almiron a much-needed rest. All being well, the pair can now interchange week after week, allowing Newcastle to be at their relentless best for the run-in.
That should benefit the both of them. Fatigue should no longer be an issue on the right-hand side of the attack while the supposedly imminent return of Harvey Barnes should do the same for Anthony Gordon out on the left.
Murphy’s return comes at a good time for Newcastle. They now need him fit and firing for the rest of the campaign.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
