Pundits hail ‘different class’ Newcastle United and ‘success story’ Miguel Almiron after Southampton win

Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness praised Newcastle United star Miguel Almiron after the Paraguay international continued his stunning form with a goal in Sunday’s 4-1 win at Southampton.

The former Atlanta United winger travelled to the South Coast with six goals in his last six appearances and he continued that return when he opened the scoring with an individual effort ten minutes before half-time. The Magpies went on to dominate after the restart as Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes all found the net to earn their side a 4-1 win over their beleagured hosts.

The win will only strengthen belief that Eddie Howe’s side can challenge for a European place this season after they moved into third place in the Premier League table ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s home game with Liverpool. Redknapp described the Magpies as ‘a confident outfit’ and singled out Almiron for his display at St Mary’s.

“Different class,” the former England midfielder told Sky Sports when asked to assess the Magpies performance on the South Coast.

“They are a confident outfit right now and you never once felt they weren’t in control of this game. You knew the goals would come, on the break they were fantastic. (There were) good individual bits of play too. Bruno Guimaraes with a great goal.

“But that man (Miguel Almiron), he set it all on the roll. What a success story this is and I’m so pleased for him because he took a lot of criticism but right now he is bang in form and making such a difference for this Newcastle side.”

Former Magpies manager Graeme Souness also praised Almiron and admitted he had ‘always liked’ the Paraguayan star - but the Scot also believes the Saints made it easy for Eddie Howe’s side.

“You always liked him because he worked his socks off but his glaring misses were highlighted. I don’t think he does anything clever (on his goal) because I think Maitland-Niles sits down for him. I think it’s an avoidable goal for Southampton and I think all of their goals today, they didn’t gift them to Newcastle but they made it easy for them.”

Newcastle return to action on Wednesday night when they host Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.