Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson hailed Jacob Murphy and Kieran Trippier as Newcastle United hosted Crystal Palace for their ‘outstanding’ connection in the Premier League.
The Magpies flew out of the international break at home to the Eagles this Saturday. Murphy handed Newcastle the ideal start to the match as he broke the deadlock inside four minutes. Anthony Gordon (44’) and Sean Longstaff (45+2’) added to their lead amid Merson’s praise.
Murphy delivered his first goal in the Premier League this season as his attempt evaded Sam Johnstone. Fabian Schar drilled a pass over the top into Trippier, who picked the 28-year-old out with his first-time touch. But Murphy was immediately under pressure from Marc Guehi.
Murphy and Trippier stunned Merson as Newcastle hosted Crystal Palace
Guehi closed Murphy down straight away to prevent the winger from shifting the ball into a shooting position. So, the Newcastle forward elected to lift the ball toward the back post. It, ultimately, landed in the goal whether Murphy was shooting or trying to find Callum Wilson.
Murphy and Trippier continued to let Newcastle give Crystal Palace problems in the first half to draw praise from Merson. The Arsenal hero adored their connection on the right flank as Tyrick Mitchell struggled to find a way to limit either of their threats this Saturday afternoon.
“It is all, all, all Newcastle,” Merson said on Sky Sports News (21/10, 15:34). “Down the right-hand side, Murphy and Trippier have been absolutely outstanding with Longstaff.”
Murphy took his opportunity to show Howe what he can offer the Magpies
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would also have loved the threat Murphy presented in the first half against Crystal Palace. It was also the 28-year-old’s first start in the Premier League this season after a very limited role. Murphy had only featured for 12 minutes over late cameos.
The attacker came on in the final stages of the Toon’s fixtures with Aston Villa, Burnley and West Ham United. But Murphy proved to Howe what he can offer Newcastle against Crystal Palace. While his goal marked Trippier’s sixth assist in nine Premier League games this term.
Trippier thrived between the September and October international breaks with three assists against Sheffield United. He also offered single assists against Burnley and West Ham to hit five for the top-flight term. No other Toon player had more than two assists before Saturday.
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