Eddie Howe makes Allan Saint-Maximin revelation and Sandro Tonali stars on Toon debut: FIVE TALKING POINTS from Newcastle 2-1 Rangers
Newcastle continued their winning start to the pre-season with a 2–1 victory over Rangers in front of a sell-out Ibrox at Allan McGregor’s testimonial match.
The decisive goal came three minutes from time via Harrison Ashby’s head, 8,000 Geordies celebrated behind the net as the defender turned Alexander Isak’s throw.
Miguel Almiron had put Eddie Howe’s side ahead 16 minutes before Sam Lammers leveled in the second half.
But there was a big point of contention when Newcastle’s able winger Allan Saint-Maximin did not travel.
Our Northeast football correspondent CRAIG HOPE was there to bring you his five talking points…
Newcastle continued their winning start to the pre-season with a 2–1 win over Rangers in Glasgow
Eddie Howe oversaw a decent performance, but there were plenty of post-game talking points
French break…
The biggest point of discussion from Newcastle’s perspective was those not at Ibrox. Namely Saint Maximin. The 26-year-old has not traveled to Glasgow as talks are underway about a move to Saudi club Al Ahli.
Due to Financial Fair Play, the Magpies must sell to free up cash to complete their planned summer spending and, with Saint-Maximin likely to leave, Leicester’s Harvey Barnes is about to arrive.
Is that a trade-in? Some supporters think not, but Barnes, unlike Saint-Maximin, is the type of player Howe loves, one who works both ways, rarely misses a game and scores goals – 37 of them in the last three seasons. In the same period, Saint-Maximin has nine.
Afterwards, Howe said, “Allan is in talks about moving. With FFP we have to act or we will be stuck this summer. I don’t want to lose him. FFP forces it to some extent. It looks like it’s going to happen. Sometimes these things have to happen for a club to grow.’
Howe revealed that Newcastle are selling Alan Saint-Maximin to fund more arrivals
Joe doesn’t show up…
The other notable Newcastle absentee was Joelinton, although the Brazilian is not about to go elsewhere.
His visa for the upcoming US tour has been delayed – he was convicted of drunk driving earlier this year – and he will travel to the United States separately when the paperwork arrives.
Elliot Anderson placed three on the left of a midfield and, as in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Gateshead, the academy graduate impressed.
He is powerful, skillful and direct. Don’t be surprised this season to see him go far beyond the three Premier League starts he already has to his credit.
Joelinton was not part of Newcastle’s win over Rangers and will be traveling to the US separately for the club’s pre-season tour as his visa has been delayed
Toon-ali…
Sandro Tonali made his Newcastle debut after his £52 million arrival from Milan. It was certainly an eye-catching introduction.
Placed on the right side of a midfield three, his first engagement – a neat touch to escape his man – was a sign of things to come. It was his pass, which separated the lines to find Anderson, allowing his fellow midfielder to put in the opening goal for Almiron.
The idea that Tonali will mainly be used as a midfield pivot was dispelled here. We’d expect him to make a big impact in the final third given the cuteness of his passes and ability to drive past opponents. He looks like a real class act.
Sandro Tonali finally made his Newcastle debut after his £52 million arrival from AC Milan
The Italian (right) showed touches of brilliance that make him a midfielder with great potential for Howe’s side next season
Mig impact…
The foundations for Almiron’s brilliant start to last season were laid during a goalless summer. He scored eight times for the World Cup in November and it felt like he finally realized his true potential under Howe.
However, just two goals from the turn of the year left fans wondering if his previous form was something of a purple spot as opposed to a corner kick for good. The jury is out on that one, but his opening goal here, tucked confidently behind McGregor, was a throwback to those heady days of last fall.
With the likely arrival of Barnes, Almiron will know he has to get back on his feet to regain the starting spot he lost in the second half of last season.
Miguel Almiron (left) knows he has to get back on his feet with the likely arrival of Harvey Barnes
Anthony GO-rdon
The winger looked good during the second half and will feel like the proverbial new signing for Newcastle following his £40 million arrival from Everton in January.
He struggled to adapt to the intensity of Howe’s side last season, but after returning victorious from the European Under-21 Championship and player of the tournament, there are high hopes for the 22-year-old at St James’.
They are confident they have signed a future England international and believe his ‘elite pace’ can make all the difference in the final third of this season.