Sheffield Wednesday suffered a 5-3 defeat to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, but supporters did reserve praise for one player – Jacob Murphy. The 25-year-old came off the bench at half-time and had a hand in all three of Wednesday’s goals – fouled for a penalty, made an assist and scored a goal. Murphy has been outstanding since the turn of the year and fans duly credited him.
https://twitter.com/AnthonyPoole/status/1284518746183405568?s=20
Can’t wait for monks excuses, I know we’ve played a lot of games but Murphy has been best player and he’s on bench, comes on in second half and looks best player by miles #swfc
— Kieran Hukin (@swfcmunch) July 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/andyh_20/status/1284519853521604612?s=20
https://twitter.com/OwlAston/status/1284523677439135746?s=20
https://twitter.com/7ronaldo1309/status/1284532130605871104?s=20
I was Murphy’s biggest critic before Christmas but got to hold my hands up. Last 15 games or so he’s won me over. I’d have him back in a heartbeat next year. #swfc
— Liam Hopkinson (@hoppo_swfc) July 18, 2020
Murphy has been unreal 🔥⚽ #swfc
— markowl 🦉💙 (@johnada75157425) July 18, 2020
Against Fulham, Murphy played for 45 minutes, had 41 touches, won one aerial duel, completed 66.7% of his 15 passes, created two chances with one assist, had one shot which hit the back of the net, made four dribbles, whipped in six crosses with 33% accuracy, made two interceptions, attempted three long balls with 33% accuracy, made one tackle and was fouled three times.
The 25-year-old joined Wednesday on a season-long loan last summer and has gone on to make 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals with six assists. In 2020, Murphy has contributed 11 goals across the board and has been one of the Owls’ best players.
Garry Monk would love to sign Murphy permanently, but he still has one year remaining on his deal at Newcastle United so Wednesday’s final league game might also be his last.