Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin was ‘breathtaking’ in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United, according to Gary Neville.
Saint-Maximin’s brilliant equaliser earned Newcastle a point at St James’ Park on Friday night after Raphinha gave Leeds an early lead.
The result leaves both sides still searching for their first win of the season, and at the wrong end of the table, but Neville said Newcastle fans could be boosted by the performance of their talented winger.
‘What was incredible was we came down here [by the touchline] to watch him [Allan Saint-Maximin] at eye level,’ the former Manchester United and England defender told Sky Sports.
‘To see his speed, his movement, it’s absolutely breathtaking. We were defenders in the Premier League and played against lots of good players.
‘But every team now has three or four players who are unpredictable and brilliant, he’s breathtaking.
‘If this was any other club you’d think the manager is getting the best out of Saint-Maximin. He plays with freedom and expression.
‘Honestly, he’s a massive threat and a nightmare for defenders. He creates chance after chance. He’s brilliant for Newcastle fans and a real positive part of the team.’
Newcastle lost three of their first four league games and faced Leeds in a week in which Bruce has been forced to defend his position following criticism from fans.
The under-fire manager said: ‘If I’m being honest I enjoyed the game and let’s be honest it could have gone either way.
‘It was like when you play at school, it was end to end and to be fair to Leeds they force you into that way. After a difficult start, the response in difficult circumstances was terrific.
‘When you’re analysing, the players have given everything they could and that’s all you can ask in my position. The actual game and response from our team was terrific.
‘It’s been fine margins today. We needed a bit of luck to go our way. It’s been a difficult start there’s no disputing that but if we keep playing the way we did there then I’m convinced we’ll be ok.’
Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, added: ‘We are really disappointed tonight because the team gave everything to win this game.
‘It was really hard to start the game 1-0 down against Leeds because they are a tough team. I think we showed a lot of quality and character to come back into the game.
‘We had a lot of chances to make it 2-1 but it didn’t happen and all the players are really disappointed. A game like this is much better than against a team that just stays in defence.
‘It is really good for me, but I’m disappointed tonight because it was most important to help the team win and we drew.
‘We knew we needed a win to start the season, so we just have to keep going and work hard.’
Newcastle United return to Premier League action next weekend against Watford, while Leeds United face Championship leaders Fulham in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
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