placeholder image
Getty Images
Jacob Murphy lapped up the post-match celebrations after captaining Newcastle United to a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Jacob Murphy captained Newcastle United for the first time in the Premier League as they ended their 14-year wait for a win at Chelsea.
With club captain Bruno Guimaraes missing through injury and Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Nick Pope on the bench, Murphy, as the only member of the player leadership group on the pitch, took the armband.
And as a boyhood Newcastle fan, Murphy definitely made the most of the experience as he lapped up the applause in front of the away end at Stamford Bridge at full-time.
Jacob Murphy post-match footage after captaining Newcastle United v Chelsea
Eddie Howe made a beeline for Murphy and pushed the winger to the front of the post-match celebrations.
The 31-year-old first went with a fist pump, then went back twice for more. The second time, he held the captain’s armband aloft before ending it all with a knee slide.
“Well, he did [deserve the full-time reception],” Howe said. “He's been magnificent since my time here. I can't speak highly enough of him on and off the pitch. Just selfless, wants to help the team. He's also a very, very good player. Very underrated in my opinion.
“He was elected as part of the leadership group by the players themselves, and I think that's the biggest accolade you can get. 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.”
Jacob Murphy on wearing the captain’s armband
Reacting to taking the captaincy, Murphy told BBC Radio Newcastle: “Amazing. Yeah, I got told this morning and I was grinning for a long time.
“I’m delighted, a lot of hard work. The loyalty and the trust that the manager showed in me to give me the armband means a lot. Delighted to be able to lead these men out to war.”
It’s been nine years since Murphy joined Newcastle for £12million from Norwich City. At times, it didn’t look as though he would have a future on Tyneside after being sent on loan to West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday.
But after finding his way back into the team under Steve Bruce to then establishing himself as a key member of Howe’s squad, Murphy has experienced quite the journey at St James’ Park.
Reflecting on that journey, Murphy said recently: “At West Brom, no. Then when I went to Sheffield Wednesday, yes, I could start seeing a resurgence. Everyone has a similar journey that they want to go on. There's just different paths. That was my path.
“Luckily, when I was on that loan at Sheffield Wednesday, everything started to click for me. I came back. That's where I feel Jacob Murphy 2.0 was formed.
“Personally, a good couple of seasons under Steve Bruce. Then the gaffer came in and the rest is history.”
Continue Reading