No, he wouldn't. His goals to xG was atrocious and he was even worse than Wilson at being in the right place. Besides which, even if here he wouldn't have started or come on, so it's deeply irrelevant. That Murphy could even be considered for a start given he's another one whose brain just exits his head when he's in sight of goal is more an indictment of Almiron than anything to do with Murphy's ability. Until Howe climbs out of Wilson's backside and finds a way to play to Isak's strengths, we will struggle. When our CF (Wilson, or Wood) is ineffectual and no threat, it's easier to pick up the runs of others. When your CF is a threat - like City's - it makes it a little easier for the supporting players to score. Drop Wilson, play to Isak's strengths, get the midfield pressing further up and all will be ok. I'd also drop Almiron, who's arguably been even less of a threat than Wilson.
I've been Murphy's biggest critic, but his last couple of sub appearances he's actually done well. I'll hold.my hands up to that. He whipoed in 2 lovely crosses yesterday that could easily have resulted in goals. That's what you get when you don't have people on the wings who need to cut inside onto their other foot all the time. I still don't rate him overall, but he has shown signs lately that he can create chances. So he deserves some credit where it's due.
See this is where it gets interesting in terms of the tactic. Almiron is completely found out, one footed and a one trick pony. Howe milked that trick for every penny, and credit to him for even doing that, but the well has run dry. So then you stick a winger on his favoured foot and he can just take on a man can cross it - but in a 433 that doesn’t quite work, you need to either be 4231 or 442. Personally I think we’re crying out for a change. Not because it’s all going horribly wrong but I think with our lack of quality - and **** knows where Howe thinks we have strength in depth - we have to use the element of surprise at times. I know nowt of course so what will be will be!
This is why I didn’t think the recruitment was quite right. One player in Jan. Two outfield the whole Summer.
We need at least 6 more in the summer in either midfield or attacking positions. The tactic EH uses needs to use the squad more regularly otherwise we’re always going to tail off
Overworked? What exactly is the classification for being overworked? It's their feckin job. Plus they're generally getting a week between matches.
Howe said he wanted a merit system, when things were going well we persisted with players despite a perhaps below par performance. But recently he's been sticking to players irrespective of results and performances. I have seen glimpses of Gordon and Murphy to suggest they deserve a starting 11 place, and Isak. No matter what we think of Murphy, if he comes on and does well, he deserves a chance.
I always think of Murphy as an impact sub, he always provides fresh options. I guess he's got a bit of a bad rep, but it's not necessarily deserved, he's leagues above crap like Lewis and Hendrick. Miggy might have been a bit sluggish recently, but I don't think his place is in danger. Gordon has looked great so far, finally got a starting place, and should keep it. The big question is does Howe keep Laecelles in the starting team? On evidence of yesterday, then yes, played well and the team seemed much more together with him as captain.
