‘Very good’… Eddie Howe says under fire Newcastle player has actually been really impressive recently

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This time last season, everything Miguel Almiron touched turned to goals for Newcastle United.

As the Magpies headed into Christmas 2022, Miguel Almiron was in the form of his life, boasting eight goals. And that was even with a month off for the World Cup.

He scored screamers against Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa, playing the best football of his Toon career.

It has been a different story in front of goal for the Paraguayan this season, however. The 29-year-old got his fifth goal of the season on Saturday, grabbing a tap in to double Newcastle’s lead against Fulham.

But the goal came after Almiron was guilty of some big misses in recent weeks. He had golden chances to score against Everton and AC Milan, but fluffed his lines on both occasions. Some fans are still having nightmares about that one he missed in the Champions League.

His failings in front of goal has led to some disgruntlement from supporters, but now Eddie Howe has backed the winger ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea.

Eddie Howe delighted to see Miguel Almiron score

Howe has spoke to the Chronicle about Almiron, and explained why he thinks his goal on Saturday will be so important for him.

“Every player loves to score, Miggy will be no different,” he said.

“I think that will be an important goal for him. I think if you look at his recent performances, he’s had chances in every game. His general performances have been very good and he’s always there or thereabouts in terms of goal creation or goalscoring chances.

“There’s no worries from my side about his positivity. Saying that, he needs goals himself and that goal will do him the world of good. He makes such a difference for us. I’m pleased with him.”

Hopefully Almiron can get back to his best in a Newcastle shirt

There really has been a lot of negativity surrounding Almiron as of late. A lot of fans are beginning to become frustrated with the attacker, with his reliance on only using his left foot becoming a bit of a problem.

But some big misses as of late have tarnished him, as he had been playing really well until the Magpies’ recent dip. For instance, his display away to PSG in the Champions League was outstanding.

Howe is pleased with how Almiron has been doing lately, but even he recognises that he needed that goal on Saturday. He has been getting into the right positions, but failing to take his chances.

But he did just that against Fulham, and hopefully this can kick off a goalscoring run like the one we saw from him last season.