Kyle Walker's one-word verdict after facing…

Kyle Walker's one-word verdict after facing 'unplayable' Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin

Kyle Walker admitted it was 'difficult' coming up against an inspired Allan Saint-Maximin during Newcastle United's draw with Manchester City. That is according to Callum Wilson, who echoed stand-in skipper Kieran Trippier's view that the challenge for the Magpies' number 10 is to now show consistency.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer hailed Saint-Maximin as 'unplayable' as he registered two assists in the 3-3 draw at St James' Park, while also drawing the foul for Trippier's latest stunning free-kick. Eddie Howe described it as the French forward's 'best performance' during his tenure in the dugout, labelling it an 'electic' display.

Saint-Maximin previously described Walker as his toughest Premier League opponent, but he gave the England international a torrid afternoon. The forward turned the full-back inside out to create Miguel Almiron's equaliser, and regularly beat his man to create chances.

Wilson was the recipient of one of these opportunities as Newcastle's number nine fired the hosts in front in the first-half. The striker believes his team-mate has now set a standard he must achieve consistently, while also revealing Walker's reaction following the full-time whistle.

He told the Footballer's Football Podcast: "Allan Saint-Maximin by the way, unreal performance, probably the best I've seen since I've been at the club. That's him, that's what he has in the locker. I think the tricky thing is and the challenge is consistency.

"He's played against Kyle Walker who is one of the best right-backs in the world, and he's given him a run for his money and a tough game. Walker even said after the game it was difficult, so I think hats off to Allan for the way he impacted the game. He had a big part to play in two goals with two assists, and that's him. We just need more from him."

Ilkay Gundogan put City into an early lead, but Newcastle bounced back from a sluggish start to race into a two-goal lead by the hour mark. Trippier's free-kick in front of the Gallowgate End put Howe's side on course for a remarkable victory, only for a quickfire double from Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva to level the contest.

Wilson could not hide his frustration after Newcastle quickly saw their two-goal cushion wiped out, despite the calibre of the opponents. He added: "City are a top side and for us to go 3-1 in front, it's not a lead you can even be comfortable with.

"One goal is 3-2 and all of a sudden, a little lack of composure sets in and people are giving away sloppy passes. There's decision-making in the final third that wouldn't happen if were still in control and 3-1 up. You give the ball away against them, you don't see it for five minutes and that's something we had to deal with."

Kyle Walker's one-word verdict after facing 'unplayable' Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin

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