A number of Newcastle United supporters have been offering a firm defence of Allan Saint-Maximin after the French winger came under scrutiny following their 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.
Saint-Maximin has been one of the brighter sparks for Newcastle so far this season, averaging 0.8 shots, 0.9 key passes and 3.6 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League (Sofascore). That is despite the Magpies having had the fewest attempts on goal and touches in the opposition penalty area in the league.
The 23-year-old signed a new six-year deal last month off the back of a strong start to the campaign which saw him register one goal and one assist in his first three matches. However, since then he has failed to provide either a goal or an assist and struggled to make much of an impression, with Steve Bruce reverting to a back five.
Following Newcastle’s defeat against Chelsea, Alan Shearer criticised the Frenchman and suggested he has stopped putting in sufficient effort since he put to pen to paper on his new deal. Those comments have created a mixed reaction among some of the Magpies’ fan base.
Newcastle fans defend Saint-Maximin
Many Newcastle fans have been quick to suggest that the issue lies more with Bruce’s tactics than with the Frenchman, with some pointing out that he is one of their few creative influences and is therefore well marshalled by opponents who know if they keep him quiet, they can stop the Magpies.
No coincidence it came when we moved to a back 5 and he went central! He gets far higher up the pitch in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1. Just wanna see him back to terrorising right backs
— HVH (@HoltzvonHoltzer) November 23, 2020
Not his fault he’s the best player we’ve had in years! He’s an attacking player but Bruce is trying to turn him into a gouffran which he isn’t, fans cannot complain about him or his form he needs the ball more and needs to attack and attack only
— Daniel (@DanielNufc13) November 23, 2020
https://twitter.com/Gibbo2910/status/1330826322357211136?s=19
The fact is he is our only real attacking threat in the entire side, coupled with bad tactics its not hard for teams to nullify him when nobody else in the team is a danger
— Michael Dodds (@RogueDodds) November 23, 2020
It’s definitely harsh. We rarely get the ball to him, and when we do it’s deep in our own half.
Any decent manager would set a team up to get your best players into the game. Steve ‘nice guy’ Bruce sets up to protect 3 centre backs… and fails.#bruceout
— Stewart (@costanza55) November 23, 2020
Totally agree, down to the tactics or lack off them really. He’s an attacking minded player that’s not been allowed to attack, down to one man really and that’s Bruce
— nick entwisle (@NEntwisle) November 23, 2020
yes I don't believe a player says right I got my contract now I don't need to play well. He was used in the wrong position since Burnley and only went back to the left on Saturday. Having said that we do need more from him although it would be nice if his teammates can turn up.
— Wasim (@wasimebrahim) November 23, 2020
