BBC pundit spots what Newcastle’s Almiron did ‘every time’ v Southampton

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Glenn Murray believes Newcastle United forward Miguel Almiron was a threat ‘every time’ he got on the ball at Southampton. He helped to a 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win.

The Toon left St Mary’s with a first-leg lead on Tuesday night after Joelinton made amends for an earlier miss. Eddie Howe saw the Brazilian send one effort over an empty net before finding the goal. They are now strong favourites to reach the final in next Tuesday’s match.

Joelinton spooned his 52nd-minute shot over the bar after great work from Almiron on the wing. The Paraguayan ran at Mohammed Salisu and got in behind the Ghana international after a one-two with Sean Longstaff. Lyanco could only then divert the ball onto Joelinton.

Joelinton’s miss was one of two goalscoring chances that Almiron created for Newcastle at Southampton. Per SofaScore, the 28-year-old’s efforts were a joint game-high with Bruno Guimaraes for the Toon plus Ibrahima Diallo, James Ward-Prowse and Mislav Orsic on two.

Almiron also attempted one shot at St Mary’s but saw his effort get blocked. The Magpies’ former £21m record signing from Atlanta United in 2019 has now not scored during seven outings. He last hit the back of the net in any competition at Leicester City on Boxing Day.

Murray felt Almiron was a ‘real threat’ for Newcastle vs Southampton

Almiron also penned his last assist against Leicester but in the Carabao Cup on January 10 to set up Newcastle’s semi-final with Southampton. The 48-cap international has recorded two assists and nine goals during his 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

While he was unable to add to his tally on the south coast, Almiron dazzled Murray. He felt the winger caused the Saints endless issues lined up against a natural centre-half in Salisu. The Ghana ace struggled to handle the Paraguayan’s pace to let Almiron charge in behind.

The ex-Crystal Palace striker said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Every time Almiron has the ball, he looks a real threat coming in off the right on his tasty left foot.”