Fabian Schar’s Newcastle message sparks four-word Jacob Murphy reaction
Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy combined in bizarre fashion as Newcastle United eased to a 3-0 win over Leicester City on Monday.
The Magpies were 1-0 up inside the opening two minutes at the King Power Stadium as Tino Livramento teed up Murphy for a perfect start, and the wideman’s second came in unconventional circumstances.
Less than nine minutes later, Murphy was through on goal again, after Schar’s ambitious strike from some 55 yards bounced back off Mads Hermansen’s crossbar and straight to the 30-year-old’s feet.
With Newcastle already 2-0 up and cruising, ex-Leicester man Harvey Barnes added a third against his former club, rubber-stamping the victory and moving Newcastle up to fifth in the Premier League table.
Murphy reacts to Fabian Schar message after Newcastle ‘assist’
Murphy’s 11-minute brace quickly put the result beyond doubt for Newcastle at the King Power Stadium; his second showing the value of following-up on spilled shots as Schar’s long-range effort rebounded.
Schar is no stranger to firing off efforts on goal from distance, but after his latest attempt from beyond the halfway line rattled the bar, the Swiss centre-back took to Instagram with a message for Murphy.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Jacob Murphy | 33 | 27 | 8 | 10 | 3 |
In his post (8 April), Schar tagged Newcastle’s brace-scoring winger in a collation of in-game images, saying: “Professional performance from the boys! On a plate for you, Jacob Murphy”.
Despite Schar’s shot not counting as an assist – having come back off the woodwork – Murphy saw the funny side, and replied with: “Assist of the year.”
Fabian Schar faces uncertain Newcastle future
Football Insider revealed last month that qualification for the Champions League next season could put Newcastle in the driving seat in their bid to Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who could succeed Schar.
Schar may have turned 33 in December and is coming towards the end of his seventh season at St. James’ Park, but he has been all-important for Newcastle this season amid several defensive injuries.
That commitment was rewarded with a contract extension last month, and despite several Newcastle fans believing it may be time for Schar to move on, Howe will be in no mood to do so any time soon.
The Switzerland international hasn’t been immune to criticism from Newcastle fans for his performances this season, but with an EFL Cup title now under his belt, Schar remains a big part of the furniture.