April saw the action ramping up again in the Premier League as the teams pushing for European spots continue to push and challenge for one of the increased number of placings this season. As a result, we’ve been spoilt for quality in the Premier League as the footballing calendar enters into it’s closing moments.

This months NextGoalWinner player of the month winner is a player who has stepped up for his club this season to help continue to their push for Champions League spots. After making the tournament in the previous season, they are keen to return to the top table in Europe, and this player could be crucial in securing this.

Jacob Murphy has stepped up to another level this season and his efforts throughout April saw 6 goal contributions in 6 appearances as Newcastle look to push for Champions League qualification. While others may have pushed ahead of him in the pecking order of his position, April for Murphy has been a standout effort.

If you have anything to add to our NextGoalWinner POTM decision, or disagree with our pick, head over to X (@NextGoalWinBlog) or Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and let us know what you think. We will be back in the new season with our player of the month awards for the upcoming campaign.

Match By Match

April 2nd: Newcastle United 2-1 Brentford – Starting off the month with a strong showing and outing, Murphy provided the first goal for teammate Isak as he put Newcastle ahead just before the break. While Brentford fought back into the game, Newcastle got the winner in the closing stages of the game. Murphy created the first goal for Newcastle, but also created the most chances (3), managed 100% cross accuracy, 100% tackles won and made 4 recoveries, earning a 7.8/10 FotMob rating.

April 7th: Leicester City 0-3 Newcastle United – In the second game of the month, Murphy had his strongest showing as he bagged 2 of Newcastle’s 3 goals away at Leicester. Scoring both inside the first 11 minutes, Murphy’s man of the match efforts saw him manage 100% shot accuracy and in the 72 minutes played, his efforts earnt him an 8.7/10 FotMob rating.

April 13th: Newcastle United 4-1 Manchester United – Murphy followed up his last impressive showing with an assist in Newcastle’s dominant showing against Manchester United. Murphy provided the assist for Newcastle’s second goal just after half-time, and from then on the home team continued to dominate the play. Murphy had 1 assist, created the most chances (2), completed the most dribbles (5), won 100% of his tackles and completed 100% long balls, earning another strong rating of 8.2/10 from FotMob.

April 16th: Newcastle United 5-0 Crystal Palace – The goal contributions concluded for Murphy in the impressive win against Crystal Palace. Opening the scoring in the 14th minute and providing the assist in the moment just before half time, Murphy also created the most chances (3), managed 100% shot accuracy and received his 3rd straight 8+ rating as he was given 8.5/10 from FotMob.

April 19th: Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle United – The goals and winning run for Murphy and Newcastle came to a close as they were beaten 4-1 in a surprising clash against Villa. Murphy had a quieter game, but still won 100% of his aerial duels, 100% tackles won and 100% long ball accuracy, but not much more to report as he was given 6.9/10 from FotMob.

April 26th: Newcastle United 3-0 Ipswich Town – Bringing Newcastle back to winning ways with the win over Ipswich, Murphy couldn’t get back involved in the goals, as he drew the most fouls (3), but had a solid yet unremarkable end to a very good month. With a 7.8/10 FotMob rating, it was his 2nd quietest outing, but the work was done early in the month with his 6 goal contributions.