Newcastle United got back to winning ways on Saturday.
Only days after a furious Eddie Howe slammed his Newcastle players for their display away at Brentford, the Magpies smashed Leicester 4-0.
There will of course be tougher tests to come than the Foxes but it was fantastic to see the Newcastle United manager get a reaction from his squad at St James’ Park.
Heading into a huge Carabao Cup showdown with Brentford on Wednesday night, it felt of the utmost importance to get back amongst the goals while also recording a much-needed clean sheet.
The Bees, despite their frankly dreadful away form, will almost certainly provide much more of a challenge but Saturday was about Newcastle.
Indeed, there were a number of promising performances all over the park in the big win.
One of those was Jacob Murphy, who Howe was full of praise for after the game.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle have a “really valuable” player right now
Newcastle’s pursuit of a new right-winger is fairly well-documented amid fresh links with a move for PSV forward Johan Bakayoko.
Jacob Murphy of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring their side's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and ...
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Still, Murphy bagged a brace against the Foxes – albeit while missing a great chance when the score was 0-0 – and Howe was absolutely delighted.
Speaking to The Independent, Howe said: “He’s a really valuable player because wherever you put him or whatever you ask him to do, he does it to the best of his ability.”
Jacob Murphy looked frustrated as Newcastle beat Leicester
Interestingly, Murphy could be seen cupping his ears and screaming “What?” to the fans after scoring the first of his two goals against Leicester.
Quite why he was feeling so frustrated is unclear but perhaps constant suggestions Newcastle are looking to upgrade in his position play a part. That cannot be pleasant reading.
That’s not to say Newcastle shouldn’t buy a new right winger because Murphy scored two goals against a pretty dreadful Leicester side.
It does, however, offer everyone a reminder of what he may be able to do.
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