Pundit compares Newcastle United star to Paul Gascoigne following Man City thriller

BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has praised Allan Saint-Maximin’s ability to ‘make things happen’ following Newcastle United’s draw against Manchester City.

The Magpies put on a magnificent display at the weekend as they narrowly missed out on all three points against the defending champions and the Frenchman was once again at the heart of the action.

Saint-Maximin claimed two assists at St. James’ Park and was rewarded with a place in Crooks’ Team of the Week.

Writing in his BBC Sport column, Crooks said: “Occasionally you come across players that can make things happen in a football match and Saint-Maximin is certainly one of them.

“You can feel the air of expectancy at St James’ Park every time the Frenchman gets the ball. It was the same when Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle and David Ginola played there. The Newcastle fans love their ball players. Saint-Maximin is in the same mould. He was at the heart of everything Newcastle could do to hurt Manchester City.

“He set up Miguel Almiron to score, took City apart to assist Callum Wilson to score and caused abject panic in the visitor’s ranks which led to the free-kick for Trippier to score. A touch of class.”

Another star that made it into Crooks’ team was Kieran Trippier, who bagged the third for Newcastle.

The BBC pundit wrote:  “It was one hell of a performance by the team captain and the highlight was a superbly taken free-kick.”

Eddie Howe’s side will be brimming with confidence as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.

Wolves have struggled so far this season and have picked up only one point from their opening three fixtures.