West Ham United first-team coach Stuart Pearce has admitted Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin gave his side real trouble yesterday, and also praised Callum Wilson.
The Frenchman was in fine fettle against the Hammers, contributing an assist for strike partner Wilson inside five minutes.
The star bamboozled Declan Rice before firing in an inch-perfect cross for the new Magpies’ number 9.
Saint-Maximin’s performance was great, but he would unfortunately end up on the losing side.
His form though will give Toon supporters hope of bouncing back against Aston Villa.
Speaking on talkSPORT this morning, Pearce admitted Saint-Maximin was a real handful in the game.
He said on Breakfast with Laura Woods & Ally McCoist: “Saint-Maximin was a handful, there’s no doubt about that. He drops into little pockets of space, picks it up and loves to run and drive with the ball wherever he is on the pitch.
“He was the main threat for them, I’ve got to say.”
He also praised Wilson, adding: “If you supply Callum Wilson with opportunities, liked how he scored after three minutes, he’ll put them away. He’s clever and his movement is good.
“Those two are a real threat, there’s no doubt. If they can keep them fully fit and available at Newcastle they’ll give anyone a problem.”
Newcastle will always have a chance with ASM and Wilson
Pearce is right. Newcastle can give anyone a run for their money with Wilson and Saint-Maximin on the pitch.
The key thing will of course be keeping them both fully fit.
Both players missed a lot of games last term, resulting in the club flirting with relegation for a long time before eventually pulling clear.
If the Magpies can bring in a defender or two, and keep Wilson and Saint-Maximin fit, there can be an outside chance of a top 10 finish.
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