Newcastle United marked their return to Premier League action with a thumping 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.
Premier League sides were back in action up and down the country following the end of the pandemic-induced suspension, and Newcastle needed a win.
Lockdown has been dominated by stories about Newcastle’s potential takeover, so Steve Bruce will have been glad to just turn the focus towards the pitch.
John Egan’s red card handed Newcastle a big advantage, and they racked up three goals as Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie and Joelinton found the net.
That win all but guarantees Newcastle’s Premier League status, and the praise has been coming in for winger Saint-Maximin after Sunday’s 3-0 win.
The Frenchman, snapped up from Nice last season, has been a bright spark for Newcastle this season. His pace and dribbling ability make him an exciting threat, and that’s now three goals and two assists in his last 10 Newcastle games.
Jamie Redknapp was blown away by Saint-Maximin on Sunday, as he told Sky Sports that he felt he was ‘the best player on the pitch’, lighting the game up as a ‘special talent’.
Redknapp added to the Daily Mail that he thinks the Premier League suits Saint-Maximin well, and predicted that he has a big future at just 23 years of age.
“Saint-Maximin was the best player on the pitch in the first half, he has been delightful, he has been on the ball, skilful, quick. He is the one player who has lit it up. He’s a special talent,” said Redknapp.
“This win for Steve Bruce’s Newcastle over a good Sheffield United side was about Allan Saint-Maximin. He suits the Premier League and, at 23, has a big future,” he added.
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