It’s fair to say Jacob Murphy’s time at Newcastle hasn’t gone to plan.
The winger was signed for £12million in 2017, a big fee for the Magpies considering how reluctant Mike Ashley has been to dip into his pocket.
But we’re yet to really get anything back from Murphy, and it seems as though he’s gone backwards this season. While his twin Josh has thrived at Cardiff, Jacob has often struggled to even get on the bench.
He was handed a chance against Everton, tasked with stretching the Toffees on the break and providing ammunition for Salomon Rondon.
Did Murphy take his chance?
It was a surprise to see the winger in the starting XI, but he got a chance with Matt Ritchie suspended and Kenedy picking up an injury. Therefore, it was Murphy and Christian Atsu who were deployed out wide, two players who have blown hot and cold in black and white.
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But in his first chance to prove himself at Goodison Park, Murphy showed everyone what he’s capable of. Striding forward down the left on the counter, the number seven shifted the ball past Seamus Coleman and delivered a brilliant ball across the face of goal. And thankfully, Rondon was there to give the Magpies the lead.
It was a moment of brilliance from Murphy, but that was about as good as it got. With Newcastle playing on the back foot, we barely had the ball, meaning chances for Murphy were limited.
There was one more occasion where he was able to run in behind, but he wasted the chance.
After 64 minutes he was replaced by Ayoze Perez. It was a surprising change, considering the 23-year-old had provided the one moment of quality for Newcastle.
It was a typical performance from the youngster though. Showing flashes of quality, but not delivering consistently.
The assist will have given Rafa Benitez something to think about. But it wasn’t a performance that will make Murphy a guaranteed starter against Wolves.
