There was one big shock when Newcastle United’s team to face Liverpool was announced, with Jacob Murphy returning to the starting XI.
Eddie Howe only made one change to the Newcastle United team that drew with Crystal Palace, with Jacob Murphy replacing Joe Willock.
The change saw Joelinton play in centre-midfield, with Anthony Gordon on the left and Murphy on the right.
It was a brave decision by the Newcastle United manager, as Murphy started for the first time since the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat to Brighton in October. Since then, Murphy has played limited minutes. He missed two games with a hamstring problem, while he has also been an unused substitute on occasions.
Eddie Howe explains Jacob Murphy decision as he praises Newcastle winger
Going into the game, Murphy felt nowhere near the starting XI, but Howe has explained to the club’s official website why he opted to recall the 29-year-old for Newcastle’s 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
“Tonight I felt was a good time to bring Jacob back in,” he said.
“He’s had a couple of little injuries, then he’s come back and had to be patient and wait for a starting spot.
“But he took his chance tonight, right from the start. He’s had a couple of shots, he’s looked threatening, put some good balls in the box.
“I think Jacob is one of those players who is always a really good supplier of chances. He’s an excellent crosser of the ball. He’s an excellent dribbler of the ball. He’s had a big chance again from running in behind with pace.
“I thought he complemented the team.”
Eddie Howe made the right decision against Liverpool
It was a brave decision to start Murphy against Liverpool, but it proved to be the correct one. As Howe says, he complemented the team, and his inclusion allowed others to flourish.
With Murphy on the right, Gordon was able to play on the left. And with Joelinton pushed inside, Newcastle suddenly had a very strong left-hand side of the pitch to try and handle Mo Salah.
But even with Newcastle’s strength over there, Salah was still able to flex his muscles with two goals and an assist. In truth, that says more about him than it does Newcastle.
Back to Murphy, who will feel he should have ended the night with a goal. He hit the post and fizzed an effort narrowly wide in the first half, while he also squandered a glorious opportunity in the second half when Caoimhin Kelleher came racing out of his box.
It was not a perfect performance from Murphy. He was still sloppy in possession at times, including giving the ball away in the build-up to Liverpool’s second goal. But it is easy to understand why Howe picks him, especially for big games like this. He always delivers what the manager wants from a tactical point of view.
The big challenge for Murphy is to be impactful on a consistent basis. While he did well against Liverpool, his cameo against West Ham last week was incredibly concerning.
At a time when Newcastle want to sign a right winger, Murphy’s performance on Wednesday night could result in him getting a run in the starting XI and making the position his own.
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