Rangers fans are left thinking what might’ve been as one-time Ibrox target Jacob Murphy nets a double for Newcastle Utd to sink managerless Premier League rivals Spurs.
The Magpies winger has been in resurgent form under Eddie Howe as the Toon Army continue their march for a European spot in the Premier League table.
Traditionally a left or right-sided winger, the 28-year-old’s career has seen him evolve into a sort of hybrid wing-back but it was on the right-wing where he wreaked havoc against Spurs.
Currently without a boss after the sacking of Antonio Conte, Jacob Murphy scored two goals within nine minutes at St James’ Park to spark a Premier League hammering of the north London outfit.
Joelinton netted between the two strikes, with a double from Swedish striker Alexander Isak leaving Spurs blown away and 5-0 down to Jacob Murphy and Newcastle Utd within the opening 21 minutes.
Harry Kane would pull one back just after half-time but another goal from Callum Wilson put some gloss on what was a famous night in the English northeast.
Jacob Murphy firing for Newcastle after Rangers links
The result was also indicative of not just the resurgence of Newcastle Utd, but of 28-year-old winger Jacob Murphy, who only a few years ago was reportedly close to signing for Rangers.
With his contract ticking down at St James’ Park, the story goes that Rangers wanted Jacob Murphy under the management of Steven Gerrard and sporting director Ross Wilson.
Signed from Norwich City for a fee of £12m, it never quite happened for Murphy in his early years at Newcastle and perhaps Ibrox was viewed as a reprieve for the winger.
A boyhood Newcastle fan, the winger would then trigger an extension on his contract at the club under Steve Bruce and he’ll be very glad that he did.
Now up to the 3rd in the Premier League table, Newcastle are genuine Champions League contenders and the project is just beginning under their new Saudi billionaire owners.
