Eddie Howe was very pleased with what he saw from one Newcastle United player in particular after a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.
Newcastle weren’t at their best but the most important thing was getting the win and trying to get back into a rhythm after a two week break which should have helped a lot with the fatigue.
After the game, Howe spoke to NUFCTV where he praised Jacob Murphy for making his return from injury after almost three months out following the surgery he had on his shoulder.
Howe ‘really pleased’ with Murphy’s display against Fulham
In the victory, Murphy could have and probably should have scored at least one goal in the first half but was denied both times.
His first effort was gifted to him in the box by a Fulham defender but the 28-year-old was still a bit rusty and hit it straight at the keeper while his second was a brilliant finish in the bottom corner but ruled out for offside.
It was still promising signs for a player who had missed almost three months of action and was suddenly thrown back into the first team due to Miguel Almiron being absent with an illness.
Howe was very pleased to have him back into the team not only for the depth in quality he adds to that right-wing position but also for his infectious personality which he claimed is so popular amongst the entire squad.
After the game, Howe said: “He’s such an important player for us, such a positive person, a real energiser. Really good to have him back with the group, he’s very popular with the players.
“I thought he looked good, I thought he improved throughout the game, I think he’s finding his rhythm again and working out the big pitch distances because he’s trained with us during the break but he hasn’t had any 11v11 football, so I’m sure he’ll feel great tonight.”
Newcastle get a much needed win over Fulham
Although it wasn’t an absolute must win game in terms of how it impacts the rest of their season, Newcastle and Howe needed to beat Fulham and could really do with going on a cup run having exited the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Not only that but the race for top four is now looking out of reach with Aston Villa now 14 points away from them, so realistically they are facing a battle for the Europa League.
Newcastle will travel to Villa Park on Tuesday night where they are not really expected to get much from the game given their poor away form, but it is the fixtures after that which will be key to where they finish in the Premier League.
Arsenal aside, the next 10 or so games look very winnable for Newcastle on paper and heading into what will be a huge summer this is such an important few months for the club.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
