Jacob Murphy spoke of the honour of captaining Newcastle United against Chelsea.
Murphy is a boyhood Newcastle United supporter and wore the armband at Stamford Bridge.
An Anthony Gordon goal was enough to seal a vital victory as Newcastle United beat Chelsea 1-0 to raise confidence ahead of a huge week, which includes fixtures against Barcelona and Sunderland.
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Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League
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With Bruno Guimaraes injured and Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier on the bench at Stamford Bridge, the honour of wearing the armband fell to Murphy.
Murphy says it “doesn’t get much better” than captaining Newcastle
On Instagram after the win, the winger posted: “SPECIAL DAY! Leading the team out and 3pts.. it doesn’t get much better.”
After the game, the 31-year-old was pushed towards the travelling supporters by Eddie Howe.
The team were applauding the fans for making such a long journey and Howe made sure Murphy got his flowers.
Chelsea v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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This was the first time Murphy – who joined the club in 2017 – had ever worn the armband in a Premier League context.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Howe talked of his delight for a player who has been through so much on Tyneside.
He said: “With all the other guys missing, it was his turn to lead the team, and that’ll be a magical moment for him being a Newcastle fan as a child. I’m delighted for him.”
Murphy’s Newcastle United journey has been stunning
There is little doubt that Murphy is one of Newcastle’s best wingers of the modern era.
There have, of course, been flashier names to have donned the famous black and white strip.
Few, however, have had as much impact as Murphy. Watching him go from an outcast under Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce to one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards last season has been remarkable.
Indeed, he remains a key part of the set-up to this day. It has been a difficult season for almost all of the Newcastle players, but it could yet end in stunning fashion – depending on what happens against Barca on Tuesday.
Murphy may divide opinion with some of his performances at times, but his contribution to the cause cannot be questioned.
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