HIGH-FLYING ALMIRON MAKES MAGPIES SOAR
MIGUEL ALMIRON jogged off to a standing ovation from the St James’ Park crowd.
He’d just made watching Newcastle United fun again.
In 81 minutes the Paraguayan created six chances, hit the post and drew a tackle that earned a red card.
With the proviso that this was a woeful Terriers performance, Almiron had lifted Rafa Benitez’s side from solid and organised to enjoyably exciting.
Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez cashed in with the goals and were boosted by their new team-mate’s energy. Build on this promising start and Almiron, signed for £21million from
Atlanta United in the MLS last month, will be a star.
Perez said: “You saw today he can make a massive difference to us. He is a quality player.”
Newcastle needed a player with a bit of devil and personality, and boss Benitez said: “He did well. He is a different kind of player. He has different characteristics. He can make a difference. It is positive.
“The crowd appreciate a player with energy and he is dynamic. The fans love that kind of player.
“He has pace, gets behind defenders and has good movement between lines. Now it is about understanding the Premier League.
“If he can stay at this level and score I will be even more pleased.” While Almiron provided the fascination, this was as good a team effort as Benitez’s side have shown all season. To the front three, add Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden as contenders for man of the match.
This was a third straight home win and a fourth victory in seven games for United. Top flight safety is close.
Benitez added: “I am pleased with the three points. We needed to win. We were on the front foot.
“We had 29 attempts and hit the woodwork four times, so it’s a pity it was only two goals.”
After producing their most enjoyable 45 minutes of the season in a first half laden with missed chances but no goals, Rondon opened the scoring.
It took him 60 seconds after the restart to smash home, after a Perez back-heel and Hayden’s touch.
In the 52nd minute it was two. Almiron’s cross was headed across goal by DeAndre Yedlin and Rondon poked to Perez, who finished. It was the Spaniard’s fifth of the season. Almiron’s first impact was an audacious scooped finish over Jonas Lossl, when sent clear on goal. It bounced back off the post and Rondon rifled the rebound on to the post.
The lively new boy had the visitors anxious and right-back Tommy Smith decided there was only one way to stop him.
Almiron raced to gather the ball and Smith flew in with an out-of-control high tackle, coming down on the winger’s shin. Referee Kevin Friend showed the red card.
It was the first time a player had been sent off against Newcastle in the top flight since January 2014. The Paraguayan’s impact was transformative.
Rondon put a header wide from Longstaff’s brilliant cross. The Geordie midfielder also hit the post in the second half.
Sub Kenedy’s stunning volley was the pick of the second half misses, lashed against the bar.
Huddersfield were awful and face a rebuilding job in the Championship next season.
Their bubble has burst and – the red card apart – they lack aggression and conviction, and that will see them relegated.
Boss Jan Siewert said: “The sending-off changed the game. I am still positive.
“We still want to fight for everything.”
Newcastle 2 Huddersf’d 0 Simon Bird