Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin was criticised by fans and pundits alike following his performance in the Carabao Cup final at the weekend.
Many felt that the Frenchman was not at the races before he was substituted midway through the second half at Wembley on Sunday.
However, after reflecting on the Magpies’ display as a whole, a number of supporters on Twitter have come out to defend Saint-Maximin, who they felt was one of the few who tried to make things happen:
People love bashing ASM but personally I thought he was the only threat going forward we had on Saturday, Wilson and Almiron were non existent, glad he plays for us, he’ll get that consistent form in time
— Josh Garwood (@RetroGarwood) February 27, 2023
Couldnt understand how some of our fans pointed at him when we drew with West Ham. He hadnt started in months. Our biggest threat yesterday and he will be key on the league run in. We need 8-10 wins or so…and he can score / create.
— Cathal Mulkere (@CotchRealtDearg) February 27, 2023
With our lack of goals recently, I thought our best chance was a bit of magic from ASM, and he so nearly produced with that ridiculous flick inside and shot across goal. Hopefully we can start converting some our chances soon
— Brady (@Brady1892) February 27, 2023
He's been one of our better players in the last few games. Need to give him a go with Gordan, Isak and Targett involved from the start now
— Ant Winn (@antw1nn) February 27, 2023
Maxi really played his heart out Sunday, everyone would agree. A couple times he put really nice balls in the middle and there was no one there. He could really use someone behind him with a bit more skill on the ball
— SecludedSsports (@SecludedSsports) February 27, 2023
Don't care what people say, out of the front three he was the only one who looked like something might happen. Felt Miggy shoulda come off and not Maxi
— Medium Sized Al (@Alonosi) February 27, 2023
Fair play to him like. He wasn't at his absolute best but he certainly wasn't the problem. Every time he got the ball he had 3 men on him, and basically no support from the rest of our team
Desperately needs a more attacking left back, and better midfield support
— Duncan Wraight (@HOLYdunc) February 27, 2023
ASM gets at defenders, play him more often
— Ryan (@RyanN9933) February 27, 2023
The game against Manchester United was very much a case of what might have been for Eddie Howe‘s men. They didn’t really turn up in the final third of the pitch and that is why Saint-Maximin has borne the brunt of the criticism.
Even so, the likes of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and, to some extent, Joelinton all arguably put in worse displays. It will be interesting to see who starts up front for Newcastle in their next match versus Manchester City.
