Not many players have lit up St. James’ Park in recent years so when an individual comes along who is able to dazzle the crowd they are remembered fondly.
Allan Saint-Maximin has quickly become a fan favourite due to his average of 4.4 dribbles per league game since signing last summer, and in many ways he has been the direct descendant of Hatem Ben Arfa.
The Frenchman was a key player for us when we finished fifth in 2011/12, providing an attacking outlet and an ability to take players on that has rarely been seen before or since.
Who is the better winger?
Ben Arfa
Saint-Maximin
A goal which exemplifies his spell in the north-east was his astonishing solo goal against Bolton in 2012, when he picked up the ball on the halfway line before carrying it in the penalty area to tuck under a helpless Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Just look at the way he avoids all non-essential contact 👏#StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/aijaekKCL9
— FUN88 (@fun88eng) April 6, 2020
That wasn’t the only occasion in which he displayed his talent, either, but unfortunately he wasn’t consistent enough to enable us to challenge in the upper echelons of the league on a regular basis, though one fan blames his former manager Alan Pardew for that failure.
I was there, very underrated goal
— Harry Dalton (@idalton134) April 6, 2020
I was at this game, what a goal
— Kenny Atkinson (@Kennyatkinson1) April 6, 2020
Was there….. Mesmerising
Standing ovation from everyone in the ground
👏Good Friday or Easter Monday from what I can recall?
— Michael L (@Imiss1996) April 6, 2020
Still one of my favourite ever goals I saw live.
— Michael Palmer (@mickyp1971) April 6, 2020
@ryangissing wizard on the ball
— Neil Andow (@NeilAndow) April 6, 2020
His goal against Blackburn was even better. Great player when he wanted to be. Totally mismanaged by pardew imo
— Paul E-R (@PaulER35846239) April 6, 2020
One of the beat goals we have ever scored. Absolute mad man he was. https://t.co/ajybWXWMiZ
— Quinnin (@AdamQuinnin) April 6, 2020
What a waste of supreme talent. If only HBA’s attitude had matched his ability. He would have been a legend at #nufc. https://t.co/I0TIkRTaac
— oldramma (@ramsey_ian) April 6, 2020