Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said Allan Saint-Maximin was really good in his cameo against Southampton.
The Frenchman started on the bench once more, with Howe sticking with the lineup that has served him so well in the Premier League in recent weeks.
But, midway through the second half, a double substitution proved decisive. Newcastle now returns to St James’ Park with a 1-0 lead, which would not have been possible without Howe’s substitutions.
In the 67th minute, the Toon manager replaced Callum Wilson and Joe Willock with Alexander Isak and Saint-Maximin, and that appeared to be the turning point in Newcastle’s victory.
Isak will get all the attention for his role in Joelinton’s goal, but Saint-Maximin was equally impressive.
Eddie Howe praises Saint-contribution Maximin’s
Howe spoke to NUFC TV after the game. He addressed his substitutions and thanked ASM for his contribution off the bench.
“They [the substitutes] all improved our performance,” Howe said.
“Obviously, Alex, it was a huge moment for the goal.
“But Allan…Maxi, when he came on, I thought he was really good with his decision making and he gave us a different dimension.”
ASM returned to his exhilarating best.
We haven’t seen Saint-Maximin play like that in a long time. The 25-year-old has had a difficult season due to injury and has struggled to regain his place in the team since regaining fitness.
However, his appearance against Southampton was his best in a long time. He added zing and flair, and he made a difference every time he took the field.
The Frenchman was responsible for Duje Caleta-Sar’s dismissal. After taking possession in his own half, he drove at the heart of the Southampton defense before being fouled on the edge of the box by the Croatia international.
Caleta-Sar received his second yellow card as a result, and he was waved off the field in an amusing fashion by Toon winger Jacob Murphy.
But the incident came from Saint-Maximin at his most dazzling. He was running with a goal in mind, committing players and driving into dangerous areas.
This is the Maxi we’ve been looking for. Hopefully, this is a watershed moment in his season, and we’ll see more of the player who has carried the club on his back in recent years.
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