Credit: IMAGO/Getty Images
Credit: IMAGO/Getty Images

'Shouldn't start for our club ever again' - Newcastle fans destroy starter who lost the ball 16 times vs Marseille

Jack Heath

Jack graduated with a BA in Spanish from the University of Leeds in 2023 before obtaining his NCTJ from the News Associates, Twickenham in 2025. He previously worked as a sports reporter at Daily Mail Online, principally writing about football. Jack is also a life-long supporter of Tottenham. He joined Breaking Media in July 2025 as a football writer for Football Insider.

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Newcastle supporters were enraged with Jacob Murphy's underwhelming performance in their 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the Champions League on 25 November.

The defeat will certainly see Eddie Howe shuffle the pack for the trip to Everton in the Premier League, with many starters in France unable to reach the necessary levels to pick up a vital win.

Notably, Murphy's struggles in an unfamiliar right-wingback role caught the attention of the Magpies faithful.

Jacob Murphy playing for Newcastle looking focused
(Credit: Getty Images)

Eddie Howe pays the price for starting Jacob Murphy in odd position as Newcastle suffer

Murphy has kept Anthony Elanga out of the starting XI for the last few games, yet his display against the French outfit may cause the former Bournemouth manager to rethink his team selection.

The 30-year-old was stationed in a right-wingback role which he isn't used to as he struggled to make an impact on the match.

The former Norwich City winger completed just 12 of his 23 passes as he failed to find the target with his passing or crosses, unable to land any of the latter.

Selected stats vs Marseille (25 November)Jacob Murphy
Minutes played60
Shots (on target)1 (0)
Crosses (accurate)3 (0)
Completed passes (%)12/23 (52%)
Possession lost16

Moreover, Murphy was frequently dispossessed, losing the ball on 16 occasions in 60 minutes.

Defensively, the Englishman won one of his three ground duels and was replaced by Lewis Miley, ending a horrific night at the Orange Velodrome.

Newcastle supporters were quick to lambast his turgid showing, with one fan saying: "Jacob Murphy shouldn't start for our club ever again. Absolute disgrace." with another adding: "Has Jacob Murphy got his boots on the wrong feet?"

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