The Newcastle United star who played his best game under Eddie Howe vs Manchester City

Eddie Howe believes Allan Saint-Maximin’s performance against Manchester City was his best under him as Newcastle United’s head coach.

The Frenchman was hugely influential during the Magpies’ 3-3 draw against the Premier League champions at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Saint-Maximin played a part in all three goals - assisting Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson’s strikes, as well as winning the free-kick that Kieran Trippier hammered home.

Not only that but the 25-year-old gave full-back Kyle Walker and his City defensive a torrid time and was awarded the player of the match award.

Howe admits that’s the best game he’s saw Saint-Maximin play since his arrival in November last year.

“I thought this was his best performance since I have been managing him,” Howe told reporters after the game.

“He got every aspect of his game in the right place. His pace was there, you could see he was electric, his decision-making with the ball was very good and he defended well.

“In that form, he gives us a totally different dimension.

“The challenge for Maxi is, can he bring that game every week, not just in flashes - and that will dictate how good a season he has.”

Saint-Maximin, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, added: “He [Howe] said it was maybe the best performance because I gave a good ball or two and they scored.

“But sometimes you can give a good ball and they don’t score. It was a great performance because it was Man City.

“Maybe it would be different against another team but the whole world can see what we are capable of doing. What we showed against Man City was good and it sends a message to all of the teams.

“I will just keep working hard but I will say thank you to the staff, teammates and coach because they help me a lot. They help me improve the way I play.”