Not for the first time, a section of Newcastle United supporters have become frustrated with the club’s most talented player. Allan Saint-Maximin was public enemy number one on social media after he gave the ball away in the 99th minute against Everton. A mistake that, ultimately, led to the Toffees snatching a last-gasp winner.
A notable shift in sentiment towards the Magpies maverick has taken place this season. Despite having the most goal contributions for Newcastle, with five goals and three assists, a vocal minority have started to turn on the Frenchman. He has achieved more successful dribbles (111) than any other player in the Premier League this year, lightyears ahead of second-place Dwight McNeil (68).
Callum Wilson’s perennial injury woes meant Saint-Maximin was tasked with the unfamiliar role of leading the line for the first third of the campaign. However, bearing the brunt of responsibility for Newcastle’s attack is something the 25-year-old has grown used to since his arrival. In his first two seasons on Tyneside, the Magpies’ win percentage was 41% when Saint-Maximin played - compared to a measly 18.5% without him. The player himself boldly told his Instagram followers on Saturday that ‘people forget quickly’ in the aftermath of recent backlash and, as these figures show, it is hard to disagree.
