There were so many heroes as Newcastle United made light work of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe’s side eased to a 4-1 win over PSG in the first Champions League game held at St James’ Park in over two decades.
It was a famous night for the club as Newcastle went top of the dreaded ‘Group of Death’ alongside Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
Fans need little reminding of just how far this team have come under Howe but Wednesday night was surely the high point thus far.
Miguel Almiron got the ball rolling with a fine finish in the first-half and duly received the UEFA Player of the Match Award.
What UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel have said about Miguel Almiron’s performance against PSG
Indeed, the winger was handed the award after the full-time whistle.
After naming him the Player of the Match, the UEFA technical board (via the Champions League’s official website) said: “He scored an excellent first goal, had good pressing all night and he also made good runs in behind.”
How well did Almiron play vs PSG?
Not only did he score the all-important opener, Almiron had a key role in the evening as a whole.
According to WhoScored data, the 29-year-old contributed three tackles, the joint-highest of any player clad in black and white. An all-action performance was needed against attacking wing-backs and, thanks to Almiron’s energy, that’s exactly what Newcastle got.
It is crazy to think how far the player has come under Howe. The goal may have looked a tap in on first viewing but to angle that past the ‘keeper first time is the mark of a classy finisher playing with supreme confidence.
Almiron’s energy and class in front of goal will be a key weapon for the rest of this Champions League campaign.
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