Newcastle United have shown major signs of life since Alexander Isak’s departure.
Having scored so many goals, there were fears that the Magpies would struggle without Alexander Isak. But, while Newcastle United are yet to fully click into gear, Eddie Howe has seen enough to know that his side will be just fine.
Once Nick Woltemade is fully settled in and Yoane Wissa is over his injury, Newcastle have all the tools to enjoy a really successful season.
That is epitomised by Jacob Murphy, who had an incredible relationship with Isak. The duo regularly combined, with Murphy setting up the Swedish striker on so many occasions. Out of the 62 goals Isak scored for Newcastle, 11 of them were assisted by Murphy.
While Isak is yet to score a goal since waving goodbye to Murphy and Newcastle United, the Toon winger is showing no signs of slowing down.
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Jacob Murphy is already on fire for Newcastle United
The 2024/25 season was the best of Murphy’s career. He was so good that there were genuine calls for him to be included in the England squad.
In total, he provided nine goals and 14 assists.
His numbers were remarkable, and Murphy is already well on his way to replicating them this season.
The £12million man has got two assists in four appearances so far, creating both of Newcastle’s goals in their previous two games.
They were beautiful assists too. Murphy’s cross for Woltemade against Wolves was perfect, as was his first-time drive into the path of Anthony Gordon against Barcelona.
Gordon’s goal was the result of a beautiful move, but its standout moment was the delivery from Murphy. To produce that type of cross against a side like Barcelona without even taking a touch takes real talent.
Murphy’s numbers were so good last season because he had Isak finishing off the chances he created. However, this season there is no Isak.
No Isak? No problem. Murphy is going to keep creating unmissable chances, and Newcastle are already proving they have the players capable of taking them. And this is without Yoane Wissa.
Jacob Murphy is being forced to raise his level at Newcastle United
For the majority of last season, Murphy did not have any competition at St James’ Park.
That has now changed, with Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United. The Swedish speedster is threatening Murphy’s place in the starting XI, forcing him to raise his game.
Competition breeds success, and that will be Howe’s hope for Murphy. The early signs are promising, with two glorious assists in two games.
All the while, Elanga was excellent against Barcelona. It was his best display since joining the club from Nottingham Forest.
Howe finally has competition down the right, and it is going to be thrilling to watch Murphy and Elanga battle it out.
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