Newcastle United continued their impressive run of form with a hard-fought victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend. Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes both found the back of the net with spectacular long-range strikes, sealing the 2-0 win. Although it wasn’t an easy match by any means, Eddie Howe’s men showcased their resilience against a determined Wolves side, grinding out the win. This victory propelled Newcastle to third place in the Premier League standings after four games, boasting a record of three wins and one draw.
Despite this solid start, the Magpies haven’t fully hit their stride yet. With the chance to temporarily take the top spot with a win over Fulham later today, they’ll be looking to build on this momentum, though Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal tomorrow could reshuffle the standings. Howe faces the challenge of navigating injuries within the squad, and though he is unlikely to make significant changes, the performance of Jacob Murphy against Wolves may force his hand.
### Jacob Murphy’s Struggles Against Wolves
At 29 years old, Jacob Murphy has experienced a resurgence under Eddie Howe, playing an important role in Newcastle’s recent successes. He’s been a consistent figure this season, starting in all four Premier League matches and even assisting Alexander Isak’s goal in the win against Tottenham Hotspur. However, Murphy’s performance against Wolves left much to be desired.
While he remained a lively presence on the right flank and demonstrated his typical high-energy, hardworking style, Murphy failed to make a tangible impact. His struggles were highlighted by a poor success rate in duels—winning just 21%—and a surprising reluctance to take on defenders, as he didn’t attempt a single dribble during the game. Furthermore, from an attacking perspective, he offered little, and his inability to contribute in the final third was concerning.
With Isak possibly missing the upcoming match due to a toe injury, and Callum Wilson still not fully fit, Newcastle may need to shuffle their attacking options. Murphy, based on his recent performance, may not be the right man to step up in this situation. His lack of end product against Wolves suggests that a change could be beneficial.
Potential Replacements for Murphy
The question then arises: who should replace Murphy on the right flank? One likely candidate is Miguel Almiron, who has been waiting in the wings for a chance to prove himself. Another option could be William Osula, the promising young striker signed from Sheffield United for £15 million over the summer, who has yet to make his Newcastle debut after being an unused substitute in the first four matches.
Almiron seems the more pragmatic choice given his experience and proven ability at this level. Although he has seen limited game time this season, with only two brief appearances, the Paraguayan winger has a strong case for returning to the starting XI. His stats from last season are impressive: according to FBref, Almiron ranks in the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in pass completion (81.7%), the top 8% in tackles (2.16), and the top 10% in interceptions (1.44) per 90 minutes. This blend of defensive work rate and offensive potential makes him an ideal fit for Howe’s tactical setup.
Almiron will be eager to rediscover the form that saw him bag 11 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 season, including a purple patch where he scored eight times and assisted twice over the course of nine matches. If he can reignite that kind of form, he could provide the attacking spark Newcastle currently needs.
Why Almiron Should Replace Murphy
Given Murphy’s recent struggles, it seems prudent for Howe to shake things up. Almiron, with his tenacity and ability to link up play, could bring fresh energy to Newcastle’s attack. His underlying statistics suggest he still has much to offer, and with the team needing a boost up front, this might be the perfect opportunity for him to reclaim his starting position.
Murphy, on the other hand, has not done enough to warrant another start. His failure to register a single shot on target this season, combined with his inability to influence the game against Wolves, leaves Howe with a difficult decision. But with options like Almiron and Osula waiting in the wings, Newcastle has the depth to make the necessary adjustments.
In conclusion, while Jacob Murphy has been a useful squad player under Howe, his recent performances suggest it’s time for a change. Almiron, with his proven quality and hunger to get back into the team, appears to be the logical solution as Newcastle seeks to maintain their strong start to the season and push towards the top of the Premier League table.