Allan Saint-Maximin's supposed drop-off in form is not supported by recently released statistics. The French maverick has been criticised for some of his recent performances, especially as goals and assists have dried up.
However, in several parameters, he has actually improved on numbers posted in the first half of the season. This includes successful dribbles per 90 minutes, and progressive yards carried per 90. These have increased from 4.38 to 5.64, and 141.0 to 163.3 respectively, showing that in terms of carrying the ball forward, Saint-Maximin has become more effective.
Even more pressingly, Newcastle's number 10 has created more chances on average per 90, going from 1.50 to 1.82, which suggests that he is doing his job but those in the middle are not converting. This coincides with a drop in both expected assists and actual assists.
