Steve Bruce claims Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin is edging back to best

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has claimed that Allan Saint-Maximin is beginning to get back to his level ahead of the upcoming fixture against Arsenal.

The Magpies travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to face Arsenal in the Premier League and the teams are locked together on 31 points in the table.

Newcastle sit 12th in a congested mid-table, while their upcoming opponents are 10th only above them on goal difference.

Saint-Maximin is one serious threat that could be lethal on the counter attack at the weekend and he’s now fully back from a hamstring problem.

The rapid winger scored the winner in an FA Cup fourth round replay over Oxford United before the winter break and will now be looking to make his mark in the league.

He’s been unfortunate with injuries since his £16.5million (BBC) arrival in the summer and only played 16 games across all competition this season.

But the Frenchman has looked explosive at times on the pitch with his pace and directness, something which will strike fear into the Arsenal defence.

“Allan needed that goal [against Oxford] & he looks like he is starting to get back to his level after the injury,” Bruce said, as quoted by the Chronicle.

TBR’s View:

Saint-Maximin can be a key player for the rest of the season at Newcastle if he can stay fit and the weekend’s fixture looks perfect for him to wreck havoc on the counter attack.

The 22-year-old has the necessary tools to be a big success in the Premier League and supporters have been waiting patiently to see him fully up to speed.

It’s no secret that Bruce’s team has lacked a cutting edge in attack this campaign and it’s the one area they need to improve the most.

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