Jacob Murphy continued his excellent form during Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The 29-year-old set up Newcastle United’s winner, with Alexander Isak getting a touch on Jacob Murphy’s cross after a small deflection. Sadly for Murphy, that deflection has robbed him of the official assist.
Isak has now scored in seven consecutive Premier League games, and he can thank Murphy for helping achieve that feat.
The Toon winger has been exceptional in recent weeks, ever since returning to the starting XI for the 3-3 draw with Liverpool.
His impact in the final third has been massive, with Murphy boasting nine goal contributions this season. In truth, it should be 10 after what happened against Spurs.
Alan Shearer hails Jacob Murphy as Newcastle’s attack excels again
Regardless, it was another impressive display from Murphy, as Newcastle United’s front three shone once again.
The trio of Isak, Murphy and Anthony Gordon were pivotal in picking up three points from North London, as Newcastle made it six wins in a row.
But while Isak and Gordon are top level talents, Murphy continues to defy belief with his performances, and Toon legend Alan Shearer has told The Rest Is Football podcast what he loves the most about the £12million attacker.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“The pace that they’ve got up top Newcastle and with the guile and the aggression and everything they’ve got in midfield,” he said.
“That’s why it’s working so well for them because Murphy’s got real great energy. He’s really quick and he gets balls into the box, which is what I like as a forward.
“Isak’s got pace and he’s on fire. He’s having the time of his life and long may that continue. And I’m pretty sure it will.
“And then you’ve got the energy of Gordon on the left hand side. So it’s working really, really well for Newcastle at the minute.”
Murphy is performing at pivotal time amid transfer concerns
Up until now, right wing has been a major problem for Newcastle United this season.
Eddie Howe has struggled to find a front three that clicks, which resulted in speculation that Newcastle would target a right winger in January.
That is what fans want, with Johan Bakayoko looking perfect for Newcastle.
However, he looks set to be unattainable. In truth, that could be the case for pretty much every attacker that the Magpies are targeting, especially because Newcastle must sell before they buy.
At a time when PSR is holding Newcastle back, Murphy is raising his level to drag the club forwards. He has really raised his game and is proving he can be a mainstay in Howe’s XI.
Of course, the challenge for him will be playing at this level on a consistent basis.
But he is certainly doing that right now, and Shearer absolutely loves how direct he is. Murphy creates so many chances with his desire to get balls into the box. It is why Shearer would have loved to play with him, and it is why Isak is enjoying such a rich vein of form.
Long may it continue.