Newcastle fans rip into ‘atrocious’ player after what he did vs Crystal Palace: ‘Saddest excuse of a footballer I’ve ever seen’
Newcastle United made it back-to-back wins in the league as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Eddie Howe’s side have been far from fluid for large parts of the 2025-26 campaign so far, but their latest victory at St James’ Park has lifted them into the top half of the Premier League table.
Bruno Guimaraes has been influential for Newcastle so far this season, and he was on hand to head home from close range to put his team ahead in the 71st minute.
Malick Thiaw then scrambled home a second following a 79th-minute corner, and that proved enough to secure the points for the hosts.
It was a much-needed three points for the Magpies, who condemned Crystal Palace to a seventh consecutive game without a win in all competitions, but there was still an element of frustration on Tyneside.
Newcastle fans tear Jacob Murphy apart
Harvey Barnes has been excellent for Newcastle of late, but Howe opted to start him from the bench on Sunday afternoon, as he instead handed starts to Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy on the wings.
The Magpies lacked creativity across the opening hour of the game, and Barnes was then brought on for Gordon, as the boss opted to roll the dice with his changes in the 63rd minute.
However, Murphy survived that triple change from Howe, despite having failed to create a single chance all afternoon in his advanced position, and he was eventually replaced in the 88th minute.
The lack of quality in the winger’s display left Newcastle supporters feeling aggrieved, and they promptly took to X to share their dislike for his performance.
One supporter branded Murphy as “atrocious” going forward, while another labelled him as “the saddest excuse for a footballer” that they have ever seen.
Another fan also suggested that they “wouldn’t wish watching Gordon and Murphy on anyone,” while it was also added that he should be sold as quickly as possible.
- @StephenArd76116: “We are crying out for a right winger, Murphy is absolute pants.”
- @CheekyShawnFPL: “Can someone explain why Murphy is still on the pitch? Absolutely horrendous performance.”
- @simgiles: “Murphy isn’t even offering an out ball here.”
Raheem Sterling arrival to finish Jacob Murphy at St James’ Park
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle have set their sights on Raheem Sterling as a January target.
The 31-year-old star is still on Chelsea’s books at the start of the winter window, but he had been outcast from the squad at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca.
A January exit seems inevitable for Sterling, and if he were to join the group at St James’ Park, then it could spell the end for Murphy’s time on Tyneside.
He enjoyed a stunning campaign last term, but his displays this time around have suggested that was very much a one-off.
Murphy has lacked quality on too many occasions this term, and that could tempt Howe and Co. into making him the next player to be upgraded upon.