Jacob Murphy: Still living the dream!

In April of 2023 I wrote a piece about Jacob Murphy and his contribution to Newcastle United at that time. Put simply, Jacob Murphy was living the dream!

At the time Murphy had been starring in the 2022/2023 as we headed towards Champions League qualification. He’d scored a screamer against Spurs in that 6-1 game and been an integral part of the team in our two legged Carabao Cup semi final victory over Southampton. Who could forget him waving Duja Caleta Car off after his red card in the away leg? And although he couldn’t prevent us from losing the final, he would create more memories in the next season just by lining up for our first Champions League group game against AC Milan in the San Siro. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player looking so pleased and proud and so bewildered just to be lining up for their club.

I also focused on the fact that, because we were his boyhood club, he was one of our own which made it feel that little bit better that he was doing so well. This was particularly relevant as, prior to Eddie Howe’s arrival, it had looked like his time at the club could have been over following some fairly lukewarm performances, a couple of loans away from the club and the impact of Steve Bruce and his merry gang of other Steves.

Fast forward to 2025 and Jacob Murphy is flying again. Having turned into somewhat of a marmite figure amongst fans for the last year or so, Jacob found himself back in the team towards the end of 2024. I don’t think too many people expected a great deal and the focus was still very much on the need for a right winger in the January transfer window. However, Murphy has enjoyed something of a renaissance since getting back in against Liverpool. In his last 8 games there have been 3 goals and 5 assists. His two goals in the game v Leicester were clinical and in truth he could and should have had a hat-trick that day. But he followed that performance up with a beauty in the next match away to Ipswich.

Murphy’s assists have been invaluable in the recent run. He got another one last night in what was a brilliant performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi final. He was also involved in the build up to the second goal too. Jacob has produced 4 assists in the last 7 league games and in 24/25 he’s the joint 5th top assister in the Premier League with the same amount of assists as every mackem’s favourite player Amad Diallo, the much hyped Bruno Fernandes and the mythical creature that is Cole Palmer. Clearly, Murph is having a real impact at this moment in time. Eddie Howe loves him. And but for some poor finishing by both Murphy and some of his team mates his goal and assist figures could have been significantly higher. Add to that his workrate and all round contribution and it’s fair to say that Jacob Murphy is well and truly back and living the dream again!

Which brings me to my final thought on the subject. And before I mention it I’ll just clarify and caveat this with the fact that in no way am I saying that this should happen, however much I like Murphy. That said, with Thomas Tuchel in the stands last Saturday as we beat Tottenham, what price an England call-up for Mr. Murphy? I’d imagine it’s highly unlikely with the amount of younger talent that Tuchel has to choose from, but I’d definitely say that England could do worse. Just a thought…

Ladies and gentlemen, Jacob Murphy is living the dream once again!