Big call lies ahead
SAINT-MAXIMIN WAS NOT AT HIS BEST AGAINST HAMMERS
IT seems a little harsh to attempt to judge Allan Saint-Maximin on the basis of his first Premier League start since August, and just his sixth of the season.
However, the lively Anthony Gordon cameo that followed means the predicament now facing Newcastle United and their former trump card simply has to be discussed.
Saint-Maximin has almost singlehandedly dug his side out of troubled times on countless occasions in the past, and began the current season in fine form before injury struck.
The 25-year-old delivered a stupendous display in the home draw with Manchester City, and followed this with a stunning stoppage-time equaliser at Wolves.
But almost six months have now passed this last strike at Molineux, and it is impossible to ignore the quandary now facing Eddie Howe and the Toon Army.
Saint-Maximin was not the only home player to struggle in the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday, but the forward could already be made to rue a costly missed opportunity
Aside from a blocked first-time shot in front of the Leazes End, the former Nice star struggled to make an impact throughout at St James’ Park.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who has previously spoken positively of the skillset of Newcastle’s number 10, admitted the attacker was ‘hugely disappointing’ against the Hammers.
Rustiness must be taken into account, with Saint-Maximin limited to a host of late cameos in recent weeks following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. But the patience that is typically used as a caveat to defend players returning after extended spells out of the side may not be afforded on this occasion, due to his on-field replacement.
Howe stressed the need for Newcastle to recruit a ‘ready to play’ forward to cover the unexpected January exit of Chris Wood. Roars greeted the introduction of Gordon in the 69th minute, and the £40million man almost marked an impressive black-and-white debut with a decisive assist for Callum Wilson.
It was a cameo that proved why Howe was so keen to revisit the move for the long-term target, despite widespread concerns over the price tag and his recent form.
Gordon provided a glimpse of the industry and tenacity the Magpies head coach demands from all of his players, and especially those leading the press from the front.
It is important to analyse Newcastle’s rapid rise without focusing out the contributions of key individuals such as Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and more. This is a team that comes together to produce rather than looking to any individual as they once did with Saint-Maximin.
Suspension provided a rare start in a team that has lost just twice all season, and Guimaraes will also miss the next two matches beginning with the trip to face Bournemouth.
Yet on the basis of that last outing, Howe will undoubtedly be tempted to hand Gordon a first start in place of Saint-Maximin.
Even if this proves to be the case, it would not mean one thing or another when it comes to assessing Saint-Maximin’s newfound status and his long-term future. Jacob Murphy was starting ahead of Miguel Almiron last term, and now the Paraguay international is the Magpies top scorer following a blistering run of form.
Newcastle still have 18 games to play with the Carabao Cup final on the immediate horizon, and each member of Howe’s squad will likely have to play a part at some point in the race for the top four.
Saint-Maximin will prove a vital asset even if it’s from the bench for the majority of this schedule, but it is hard to shake the sense that this latest start is a missed opportunity with a big conversation to come this summer.