It was a little bit of a surprise when Jacob Murphy started in front of Almiron on Saturday against Crystal Palace.
We surmised perhaps Murphy had been impressive for a couple of weeks in training during the International break.
Whatever it was Murphy made a scintillating start to the game, scoring in the 4th minute with a delicate lob over the goalkeeper.
And then he provided an assist just before halftime with a spot-on cross for Anthony Gordon to score Newcastle’s second goal.
That was probably Murphy’s best game ever for Newcastle, and it just shows how good the 28-year-old is now – yes he’s now 28.
Eddie Howe has brought the very best out of the player signed by Rafa Benitez back in July 2017 from Norwich City – 6 years ago.
Eddie Howe trusts the player and he has often brought him on as a sub when he doesn’t start.
Jacob has played 156 times for Newcastle with 10 goals and 15 assists – and he’s been an excellent team player for us over the years.
Other players who had good games for us on Saturday were Trippier, who teamed up so well with Murphy down the right wing, Gordon, who looks so sharp these days, and Longstaff, who looks like an England International midfielder to us.
