‘I have run out of superlatives’ - Pundits react to Newcastle United’s win against Everton

Despite falling behind to an own-goal from captain Jamaal Lascelles, Eddie Howe’s men roared to all three points thanks to an own-goal from Toffees defender Mason Holgate, Ryan Fraser’s first goal for the club and a stunning free-kick from Kieran Trippier.

The result took United out of the Premier League relegation zone for the first time since September and led to overwhelming praise for a hard-earned win.

‘What a player he is – huge for Newcastle at the minute’

Mercurial forward Allan Saint-Maximin may not have scored in the win but he put on a dazzling display at St James Park.

The Frenchman was integral in helping his side seize the initiative during the second-half and was a constant thorn in the side for their visitors.

Former Gallowgate favourite Rob Lee hailed Saint-Maximin’s performance and described him as “by far the best player on the pitch.”

Acting as a pundit for BT Sport, Lee commented: “Saint-Maximin was absolutely unplayable tonight, I have seen him play well but he was outstanding tonight, by far the best player on the pitch.

“I would have loved to see him score a goal, he was creating stuff, he had the end product, people were getting on the end of his crosses, he was causing so many problems throughout the game. He was that good, that good.”

Former Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott was also on BT Sport duty and he added: “He was causing so many problems going forward.

“He had a good end product, which has probably been his criticism recently, but he created a lot of opportunities and Newcastle need to capitalise on that going forward.”

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon admitted he was running out of words to describe the forward’s performance.

He told BBC Radio 5Live: “I have run out of superlatives for Allan Saint-Maximin.

“He just makes things happen. He is unplayable at times.

“What a player he is – huge for Newcastle at the minute.

“Allan Saint-Maximin just created something out of nothing.

“He is breathtaking to watch. What a special player and probably the difference between the two teams.”

Lennon’s former Celtic team-mate Chris Sutton also heaped praise on the French forward, telling BT Sport: “He’s on a different planet to everyone else on the pitch, absolutely stunning.

“He has been incredible, if Newcastle want to stay up – he is going to be the man, their key man.”

‘He’s a fantastic calming influence’

Kieran Trippier has not put a foot wrong since he joined Newcastle for an initial £12million in the early stages of the January transfer window.

The England right-back is already a firm favourite with the St James Park faithful and he further elevated his status with a stunning free-kick to seal Tuesday night’s win.

Former England full-back Danny Mills believes Trippier is “head and shoulders” above some of his team-mates and believes he will go on to captain the Magpies.

Mills told Sky Sports News: “(He was) very, very assured, he’s a fantastic calming influence.

“He’s a future captain of the football club.

“His composure on the ball in difficult situations, not panicking, settling everything down, he was superb.

“He’s a very, very good player and looks head and shoulders above a lot of those players.

“The experience he’s got, the quality he’s got, his free-kick was exceptional, of course.”

Former Gallowgate favourite Rob Lee was also impressed by the England defender’s display.

He said: “He’s a leader, off the pitch and on the pitch. It’s the way he plays. He’s sensational. He was outstanding, he’s been outstanding every game.

“He’s got great energy, he gets up and down, he defends well, he’s the ultimate full-back. I think he’s made a huge, huge difference to Newcastle.”

‘Technically superb and good football intelligence’

There was some surprise when Magpies boss Howe opted against handing a full debut to new signing Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian international midfielder did come off the bench late on as he replaced the impressive Joe Willock and gave United supporters a little taste of what to expect.

His cameo included a spot of showboating with a neat backheel to find fellow Brazilian - but a composed introduction to life on Tyneside had supporters and pundits praising the former Lyon man.

Leicester City and Celtic midfielder Neil Lennon commented: “I have seen Bruno Guimaraes at Lyon. He is an exceptionally talented player.

“He can do either role – play as a holding or attacking midfielder.

“Technically superb and good football intelligence. I think the Geordies can be really excited about this player.”

Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell tipped Guimaraes to become the missing piece of United’s midfield.

He told Football Insider: “He is a very, very good player and he is exactly what Newcastle need. They’ve lacked a midfielder like him for quite a while. He’ll be delighted to make his debut on such a night.

“It will be interesting to see how he adapts to playing in the Premier League.

“There is no doubt he has immense quality but sometimes it take players time to adjust and adapt to the Premier League. It is different to Ligue 1.

“Not only can he rat and tackle but he can offer quality at the top end of the pitch as well.”