When the linesman indicated to the referee, on Saturday, that he believed the handball by McMahon was deliberate, I doubt whether we could ask for a calmer person than Danny Murphy to step up to take the penalty.
The precise manner in which he guided the ball, past the outstretched hand of Ross Turnbull, was a pleasure to see. There was no indecision shown, no smack it and hope philosophy just a quiet maturity about the manner in which the whole affair was conducted.
Murphy, probably a surprise signing in most peoples eyes, has shown what a classy midfield operator he can be, on his day. His central partnership with Jimmy Bullard has been one of the main reasons why we`ve been playing some decent stuff.
After the victory over Middlesbrough, Danny took time out to reflect on our marvellous home form, home form that is the best in the Premier League, remarking,
“Arsenal, Spurs and Newcastle have come here and we`ve beaten them. They`re teams that would expect to do us. The gaffer is good at keeping our feet on the ground. We`re not getting carried away, but it makes a nice change from last year.”
“When we come here we have a little bit more of the ball and you can see our confidence.”
“Other than the defeat against West Ham when we played the majority of it with 10 men, we have a great record here.”
“Long may it continue because your home form is what keeps you in this league.”
Keep us in the league Danny? Onwards and upwards we say and a top ten finish please!
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