Newcastle United legend hails ‘phenomenal’ Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron

The Magpies were involved in a pulsating clash against the Premier League champions.
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Newcastle United legend Shay Given hailed Newcastle United duo Alain Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron after they combined for the Magpies opener against Manchester City.

Eddie Howe’s side side fell behind to an early goal from Ilkay Gundogan but the St James Park faithful were soon on their feet as Saint-Maximin came to the fore.

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After causing numerous issues for England defender Kyle Walker, the mercurial winger produced a moment of brilliant with a stunning cross just before the half-hour mark.

That narrowly evaded the onrushing Joe Willock but was diverted beyond Ederson by an awkward looking finish from Almiron.

The Paraguayan star saw his celebrations temporarily halted by a VAR check for offside and a possible handball - but the goal was given and Almiron could celebrate his first goal of the season.

The move and finish met the approval of former United keeper Given, who was on Tyneside as part of the Sky Sports punditry team.

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“Saint-Maximin has been absolutely phenomenal,” said the former Magpies stalwart.

“During the first-half he’s been absolutely brilliant.  The ball in is just perfect and we thought there might have been an offside.

“Even at the end, Almiron does brilliantly because it’s a really awkward height and he sees it late as well.

“It just goes past Joe Willock and he just manages to get his thigh to it.

“I think it’s a brilliant finish.”