Jacob Murphy was given a rare start for Sheffield Wednesday against Cardiff City on Sunday as Garry Monk rotated his squad for the demanding fixture list, but his decision didn’t pay off. Murphy underperformed as Wednesday lost 2-1 to the Bluebirds, and he was heavily criticised by some fans on social media as a result.
Murphy created a couple of chances and dribbled past his opponent one or two times, but he struggled to find a teammate from crosses into the box and frequently gave away the ball from routine passes. Monk had dropped the 24-year-old weeks ago due to his poor form and may feel the decision was vindicated after his latest showing.
https://twitter.com/JoeBryden88/status/1211320870733565955?s=20
https://twitter.com/rwn1992/status/1211332481829478400?s=20
Can we send Murphy back in January? #swfc
— J (@the_geeker) December 29, 2019
Please send Murphy back in January and try and cash in on Reach #swfc
— WEDNESDAY RETRO (@WednesdayRetro) December 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/wawawuto19/status/1211339316993114112?s=20
Rarely, since the heyday of Darren Potter, has anyone proved so inept at crossing the ball than Jacob Murphy. By far the worst player on a day when there were others trying for that award. #swfc
— Chas (@baggleyowl) December 29, 2019
Clear to see now why Harris couldn’t get into Cardiff’s team and Murphy spends every season on loan. #swfc
— Dan Smith (@dan_N_smith) December 29, 2019
Against Cardiff, Murphy played for 79 minutes, made 36 touches, won two aerial duels, created two chances, had two shots with 50% accuracy, completed 60% of his 15 passes, failed to find a teammate from his seven crosses, drew four fouls and made two successful dribbles.
He was hauled off for Atdhe Nuhiu when Wednesday were chasing a goal, so that speaks volumes about his contribution on the day. Murphy has made 20 appearances in all competitions since joining on loan from Newcastle United, but he’s not having the desired impact at Hillsborough.
