MY ACCOUNT
Allan Saint-Maximin’s sparkling display against Everton helped Newcastle ease their relegation fears with a 3-1 win at St James’ Park.
Five new faces came through the door in the winter window as Eddie Howe bolstered his squad but keeping the Frenchman fit and firing might be the difference between staying up and going down.
Aston Villa will be the next side welcomed to Tyneside and ahead of that Premier League encounter on Sunday, we cast the spotlight on the in-form Magpies winger.
Catching the eye
After the 24-year-old’s performance against the Toffees, there was no question who the man of the match was — both managers agreed.
Toon boss Howe said: “Allan was his magical best tonight, such a difficult player to play when he is in that mood.”
And Frank Lampard went one step further, gushing: “Saint-Maximin on a night like this evening is pretty unplayable at any level of football.”
Matt Targett was the only debutant to start for the Magpies — Tuesday’s selection was Howe trusting the players who beat Leeds two-and-a-half weeks ago.
None of them repaid him more than Saint-Maximin, who lit up a cold Tuesday night on Tyneside.
Sweet success against the Toffees
Ever since he signed in 2019, Saint-Maximin has been one of the Premier League wingers who makes you stand up and take notice when he is on the ball.
That was the case again on Tuesday night as he attempted 13 dribbles, more than double the amount of any other player, and completed 10 of them — double the next best effort.
There was end product after beating his man too as despite only attempting 20 passes and completing 10 of them, he created three chances.
His 52 touches were the most of any attacking player on the pitch with both of his shots on target.
Former Toon midfielder Rob Lee said: “I would have loved to see him score a goal.
“He was creating stuff, he had the end product, people were getting on the end of his crosses, he was causing so many problems throughout the game. He was that good, that good.”
French focus
The former Nice man spoke prior to the game with Everton about how determined he is to keep the Magpies in the Premier League.
And his attitude will help Howe’s side in their relegation battle — they still remain deep in trouble despite the victory.
He said: “I don’t look at other teams. I just want to be focused on the way I play at this time and how I can help my team. So many things can happen.
“I try to get through games without injury and to take care of my body because when you are injured you can’t help the team.
“There are so many things that are more important than watching other teams play, it’s not helpful watching Norwich, Brentford or anybody else.
“I am just focused on what I can do for my team.”
Always improving
Despite being Newcastle’s best player since he joined the club, Howe is confident Saint-Maximin can keep getting better.
Howe added: “He’s such a special player. We’ve seen in the last few weeks that he’s got better and better since I’ve been here.
“I’m delighted with his performance today, he’s a real threat and he’s someone I’d hate to play against personally because you just can’t predict what he’s going to do.
“But he’s a match-winner, and we’re going to need him at this level for the rest of the season.”
Whether or not the Frenchman helps keep Newcastle in the Premier League, there will be plenty of clubs interested in him this summer.
But Toon are likely to spend big again in the next transfer window and the fan favourite could well be the jewel in their crown as they look to fight at the other end of the table next season.
