It was an unforgettable night for Newcastle United and their supporters as the Magpies produced a dominant performance to beat Everton 3-1 at St. James’ Park and finally climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since October.
It was a night of significance, as it not only marked the club’s first game back since the Premier League ’s enforced winter break, but it was also the first time Eddie Howe ’s side would play following the end of the January transfer window.
The north east club had already signed Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, before Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett were brought in over the final two days, as the club bolstered their options.
But despite that, it was one of their regular first-team stars who stole the show on Tuesday night and received heaps of praise for his influential performance in the 3-1 victory.
And no player deserved the limelight more than Allan Saint-Maximin, who was labelled as ‘incredible’ and ‘unplayable’ following his St, James’ Park showing.
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Despite not scoring on the night, he came close a number of times and was influential in his side’s victory as he dazzled all over the pitch with his relentless running and incredible dribbling.
BT Sport co-commentator Chris Sutton couldn’t hide his admiration for the player as the game headed into injury time.
“He’s on a different planet to everyone else on the pitch, absolutely stunning," Sutton said. "He has been incredible, if Newcastle want to stay up – he is going to be the man, their key man.”
Saint-Maximin was heavily involved in Newcastle’s second goal, running into the box before looping in a cross for Ryan Fraser to tap in from close range.
He came so close to scoring in the injury time, too, by latching onto a ball from debutant Guimaraes, and using his power and pace to beat his marker before firing a low shot just wide of the post.
And upon the full-time whistle, the Frenchman sauntered over to the Gallowgate end to be met with cheers and applause from the adoring Magpies fans.
But Sutton wasn’t the only one to praise the 24-year-old for his performance, as Everton manager Frank Lampard gave an honest view of his thoughts following the game.
"You have to give Newcastle credit," he told reporters on Zoom, via Chronicle Live. "They came out firing. The crowd were lively and they're very effective in the way they play.
"We expected crosses. We expected balls into [Chris] Wood. It went that way and Saint-Maximin on a night like this is pretty unplayable at any level of football.”
Saint-Maximin was arguably already Newcastle’s best player ahead of the January transfer window.
But now there has been added quality to the side following their £90m spending spree, he will have the players around him to compliment him, which can only work in Howe’s favour going forward.
