Jacob Murphy admits Newcastle United's clash at relegation rivals Everton is 'massive' after Jamie Carragher claimed it was the Toffees' biggest match for two decades. The Magpies will be looking to complete the league double over Frank Lampard's side on Thursday night at Goodison Park, having registered a morale-boosting 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture last month.
Newcastle's nine-match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to a controversial end at Chelsea in their last outing, with Kai Havertz scoring late on after two VAR decisions went against the visitors. However, Eddie Howe's side remain nine points clear of the relegation zone with matches in hand on several relegation rivals.
In contrast, Everton's dismal form continued with a disappointing home defeat to Wolves at the weekend. The Toffees have won just once in the league since Frank Lampard's appointment in January, and remain outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Responding to Carragher's claim and how important the clash is for Newcastle, Murphy told NUFC TV: "Yeah, it's massive for us. The relegation battle is not done, we've got to go there and get the three points.
"I see it now as us trying to chase the pack above us if we can shift our focus and start catching them. It almost becomes irrelevant what happens at the bottom because we're going to be fighting higher up in the table."
Murphy has enjoyed a rare run in the starting lineup in the recent absence of Allan Saint-Maximin. The former Norwich City man has started the last five matches in his preferred position as a winger, but has not been able to add to his only goal of the season in the opening-day defeat to West Ham.
Murphy struck the post in Newcastle's recent home victory at Brighton after leading an incisive counter-attack, with Ryan Fraser netting the rebound. It was the third time in a row the winger has been denied by the woodwork, and he admits it is a run which is 'annoying' him.
Murphy added: "I don't even want to talk about it because I'm sick of it! Fourth time lucky I suppose, hopefully the next one hits the post and goes in.
"It's annoying, but the only thing I'll say is at least I'm getting in the positions, getting the shots off. Yeah, I'll get the rub of the green hopefully one game soon."
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