Newcastle United fell to a 3-1 defeat on Sunday afternoon, but Jacob Murphy was one of few players to come out with credit.
Another away trip, another Newcastle United disappointment.
The Magpies headed to East London on Sunday afternoon in search of a rare away victory.
Jacob Murphy fired Newcastle ahead, but Eddie Howe’s side faded rather than seized the initiative to kick on.
Three West Ham goals handed the hosts the victory and left Howe to mull over Newcastle’s continued away-day woes.
West Ham United v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Jacob Murphy remains underappreciated in the Premier League
You would be hard-pressed to find many success stories from this Newcastle display.
Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade are two crucial players, but both were hooked at the break after poor showings.
One man who did play his part is winger Jacob Murphy, who opened the scoring with a powerful finish.
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It’s easy to forget that Murphy joined Newcastle for £12million way back in 2017, and there have been moments where his Toon career looked to be over.
Loans to West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday in 2019 painted the picture of a player who just wasn’t in the Newcastle plans.
Murphy could have moved on for good, but saved his Newcastle career under Eddie Howe.
Sunday’s goal was another example of what he provides, driving his low strike into the corner of the net.
Newcastle need goals from wingers, and the likes of Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga – big-money signings since PIF’s takeover – have struggled in that regard in the Premier League this season.
Murphy stepped up with a fine finish against West Ham and deserves a little more appreciation across the league.
The 30-year-old racked up eight goals and 12 assists in the Premier League last season – better numbers than some higher-profile players.
Murphy still doesn’t receive the praise he deserves; perhaps he isn’t ‘flashy’ enough, but Newcastle fans know all about his quality.
Jacob Murphy has stepped up after Anthony Elanga arrival
Make no mistake, Newcastle signed Anthony Elanga with the idea of him becoming the new first-choice right-winger.
Elanga excelled at Nottingham Forest and looked to be a huge signing for Newcastle’s attack.
However, the Swede hasn’t settled in just yet and has looked a shadow of the player he was at Forest.
That means Murphy has been called upon to play down the right flank, and he has proven himself to be a more dependable option than Elanga at this early stage.
Murphy deserves his flowers after another goalscoring performance, and while Newcastle fans appreciate him, others should accept the talent and player he has become at St James’ Park.