Saint-Maximin right to address Newcastle critics but Howe transformation raises legitimate questions

Let's make this perfectly clear before going any further, Allan Saint-Maximin is one of Newcastle United's best players. Kieran Trippier has raised the bar within weeks of his arrival, and the squad lacks a clinical finisher in the absence of top goalscorer Callum Wilson.

But in Saint-Maximin, Newcastle boast a rare ace card, a player capable of conjuring a goal out of nothing. On his day, there are not many teams who could cope with a talent who was recently labelled 'unplayable' by Everton boss Frank Lampard.

It was less than two months ago that Saint-Maximin simply tore the Toffees to shreds to the delight of the Gallowgate as Eddie Howe's side registered a vital 3-1 victory over their relegation rivals. But just 38 days later, the fans' favourite has gone from hero to supposed villain having conceded possession for Alex Iwobi's winning goal.

READ MORE: Newcastle United told ‘frustrating’ Allan Saint-Maximin is becoming a problem for Eddie Howe

Such a black-and-white verdict ignores the manner in which Everton's matchwinner was afforded so much space to play a simple one-two with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and score. Saint-Maximin should not have lost the ball on the halfway line, but it was no foregone conclusion that the visitors should concede from that position.

Social media will never provide the balanced forum required for a nuanced post-match review into what was only Newcastle's second league defeat in 2022. However, seemingly enough questions were raised to prompt a response from the man himself on Saturday.

Saint-Maximin is right to remind those doubting him that 'people forget quickly', given the fact he has registered the most goal contributions for the Magpies this season. Almost each of these five goals