On a day Newcastle United were beaten 4-0, one of the club’s reported summer transfer targets, Conor Gallagher, dazzled.
The Magpies took on Leicester City at 2pm on Sunday, and the game was a really good chance for some more points on the board.
The Foxes had Jamie Vardy on the bench and then lost Jonny Evans early to injury.
But a controversial penalty decision saw Leicester take the lead and from there, there was simply no contest.
It was a worrying display, which served as a reminder that many of the players in the squad just aren’t good enough.
Sunday’s late game saw Crystal Palace take on Everton at Selhurst Park, and it was an opportunity to see Gallagher in action.
The midfielder has been a breath of fresh air for the Eagles this season – and he was superb against the Toffees.
The Chelsea loaneed grabbed two more goals, taking his tally to six for the season.
After the game, Sky pundits and former Newcastle managers Alan Pardew and Graeme Souness hailed the youngster.
Pardew said: “This was an exceptional game. he did everything. There isn’t one thing I can think of that I would fault himon. He’s making forward runs, you can tell he’s got that dynamic way about him. He wants the ball all the time. He was superb, absolutely superb.
Souness concurred: “He’s a young 21-year-old, he’s still got a bit of filling out to do. He’s got all the technique you need. He’s looks to have a fabulous attitude. Avoid injuries, you’re going to be a star.”
Newcastle missed out on a gem in Conor Gallagher, following Souness and Pardew praise
Newcastle supposedly looked at Gallagher back in September.
Apparently Newcastle were offered the chance to sign him and Steve Bruce wanted him. Ultimately the proposed move never happened.
Newcastle fans won’t thank the previous owner and manager for many things. The failure to land Gallagher is certainly now looking like an awful oversight.
Crystal Palace fans must love watching Gallagher develop for them.
He really does look like a quality attacking midfielder, and he already has that eye for goal which is quite rare in players of his age in his position.
With six goals for the Eagles already, he is level with Newcastle’s Callum Wilson.
Who knows how different Newcastle’s season might have been had the club pulled off a deal for Gallagher.
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