Newcastle United secured their second Premier League win of the season over newly-promoted Fulham last weekend, with Eddie Howe's side producing a clinical display against their ten-man hosts to clinch a deserved 4-1 victory at Craven Cottage.

While no doubt aided by the early dismissal of Nathaniel Chalobah, the Magpies impressed with their ruthless showing against Marco Silva's side, with Paraguayan playmaker Miguel Almiron notably netting a brilliant brace.

That result was all the more satisfying as it had come despite notable absences for the visitors on the day, with the attacking duo of club-record signing Alexander Isak and French wizard Allan Saint-Maximin ruled out due to injury.

The absence of the latter man saw fellow forward Jacob Murphy handed his first league start of the season, with the Englishman offered a "big opportunity" to impress - in the words of journalist Dominic Scurr.

As it proved, however, the 27-year-old seemingly failed to grasp that chance on what was his 101st Premier League outing for the Tynesiders, as he was once again unable to provide a telling contribution in the final third.

The £6.3m-rated man notably recorded a dismal pass accuracy of just 64% having squandered possession 23 times from his 58 touches, having also been unable to record a single successful dribble from his wide berth.

The £25k-per-week dud was also found wanting in a defensive sense as he was dribbled past on two occasions and won just 25% of his ground duels, with his impact having seemingly been lacking at both ends of the pitch.

That display ensures that wait goes on for the former Norwich City man to provide a goal contribution, with no goals and assists to his name in nine appearances in all competitions so far this term, albeit with much of those having come as late cameos.

The former England U21 international's overall record at the club since his £12m arrival from Carrow Road back in 2017 now stands at just five goals and nine assists in 115 games in all competitions, with that a measly return for any forward player

While he remains a firm favourite of manager Howe - having made the appointment last year - Murphy has largely been restricted to a substitute berth in recent times, with this rare start having hardly seen him stake a claim for a more regular role moving forward.

Amid reports that the aforementioned Saint-Maximin could be available once again this weekend for the clash with Brentford on Saturday, it would be hard to see the Wembley-born wide man retaining his place in the starting XI. Indeed, should the Frenchman return then his fellow wide man simply has to be dropped once again.