Eddie Howe gives his honest verdict on how Miguel Almiron played for Newcastle against Wimbledon

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe handed Miguel Almiron his second start of the season against Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

The Magpies advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with Fabian Schar scoring the only goal of the game as Newcastle beat Wimbledon 1-0.

It was a pretty dour affair, with Newcastle United lacking creativity and imagination against their League Two opponents. The fact that the winning goal came from the penalty spot sums it up.

Miguel Almiron was part of an uninspiring Newcastle attack, alongside Harvey Barnes and Will Osula. It was the latter’s first Toon start, and Newcastle fans liked what they saw from Osula.

It was a chance for the 21-year-old to show what he is capable of, while for Almiron it was an opportunity to prove why he should be playing more.

Almiron has barely featured for Newcastle this season, making just two substitute appearances in the Premier League. His only starts have been in the Carabao Cup, on the back of a summer that saw him heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe ‘delighted’ with Miguel Almiron as Newcastle beat Wimbledon

But Almiron remained on Tyneside, and played the full 90 minutes on the right of attack as Newcastle beat Wimbledon to set up a Carabao Cup fourth round tie with Chelsea.

The 30-year-old was incredibly lively, and won the decisive penalty. However, there were the usual frustrating moments from a player who has fallen out of favour in recent months.

Eddie Howe has opted not to rely on Miggy so far this season, but gave him a chance on Tuesday night and told the Northern Echo afterwards that he was very happy with his performance.

“I thought Miggy was probably our standout performer creatively,” he said.

“He had two good halves, obviously created the goal for us. He had good energy, linked well especially in the second half.

“I was pleased with him. He has a big part to play. Today everyone fit and available was in the squad. I’m delighted with Miggy.”

Almiron did not do enough to force his way into the Newcastle starting XI

Howe was delighted with Almiron, and described him as Newcastle’s ‘standout performer’ in terms of creativity.

That is high praise for a player who is probably Newcastle’s third choice right winger at the moment. And even after his display against Wimbledon, that is where Almiron should remain.

While he was lively, he was not that impactful. There was plenty of endeavour, but a lack of real quality on the ball. He even fluffed his big chance, as Almiron blazed a shot over the bar in the first half following a wonderful pass by Fabian Schar.

In Almiron’s defence, he improved when Bruno Guimaraes came on. He always performs better with stronger players around him, such as Bruno and Kieran Trippier. The latter was not involved on Tuesday night, with Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth operating at right-back.

So far this season, Howe has used Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy on the right wing. Based on Tuesday night’s match, that should not change. Almiron did not do enough to force his way into the starting XI, and will surely be back on the bench for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Everton.