Eddie Howe’s Allan Saint-Maximin verdict as ex-Liverpool man criticises Newcastle United star

Eddie Howe has provided his verdict on Allan Saint-Maximin’s performance against West Ham United.

The Newcastle United winger was recalled to a Premier League starting XI for the first time since August in place of the suspended Bruno Guimaraes. He played 70 minutes before being replaced by new signing Anthony Gordon.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp labelled the Frenchman’s first-half as “hugely disappointing” but Howe defended the 25-year-old as he continues to build up his sharpness.

“Every player needs confidence,” Howe said. “Maxi will benefit from today.

“I thought we saw him in flashes today but we didn’t get him the ball enough. West Ham defended well against him so I think there is a combination of factors.

“I thought the application and effort were there. He’ll benefit from today.”

Saint-Maximin and his United teammates were frustrated by David Moyes’ side after being held to a 1-1 draw on Tyneside.

Callum Wilson opened the scoring just three minutes in before Lucas Paqueta levelled half-an-hour later.

The draw was United’s fourth in five Premier League games.

“We’re very pleased that if you can’t win, you don’t lose and we’ve done that very well,” Howe said. “We’ve picked up vital points on this run. Yeah, we haven’t won as much as we would have liked but it’s never going to be plain sailing, we’re never going to win every game. It’s such a competitive league, the games are so difficult. 

“West Ham came here today fighting down the other end of the table but they’ve got quality players. The margins between the bottom and top teams are so small.

“It’s very similar to Crystal Palace and recent games we’ve drawn. I back the players we have that if we continue to perform well we’ll be on the right side of those margins.”

Newcastle sit fourth in the league table, having lost just one game in 2022-23 - a late 2-1 loss to Liverpool in August.