Newcastle United and the footballing world are rejoicing this evening after popular midfielder Miguel Almiron finally scored his first goal for the Toon.
In a stale and uneventful 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, Almiron proved the difference for his side, scoring a spectacular volley to steal all three points on Tyneside.
Although extremely popular, fans have grown frustrated with the Paraguayan’s end product in recent months after having not scored or assisted in 22 Premier League matches.
But after snatching his first assist against Man City last month, Almiron has now added a vital goal to his collection too, officially ending his duck.
Almiron vs. Palace
It originally looked like it was going to be a typical day at the office for Almiron, the Paraguayan spurning a huge chance in the first half.
After receiving a great ball from Paul Dummett out wide, the midfielder had found himself inside the opposition box with room to manoeuvre.
He then did fantastically well to wrongfoot a Palace defender with a Cruyff turn, and things looked promising.
But as he opened up his body to curl the ball into the far corner, St James’ was met with a familiar sight.
Almiron was only able to hit the tamest of efforts, which limped it’s way into the goalkeeper’s gloves.
He screamed in frustration, and the crowd let out an unsurprised but still disappointed sigh.
Yet again the Paraguayan had done all the hard work until the very last moment.
However Almiron, as always, did not give in and tirelessly defended and burst forward in equal measure.
It was a game in which no one really impressed though, as a mixture of good defending from Roy Hodgson’s side and a static partnership between Andy Carroll and Joelinton meant little chances were created.
If Newcastle were to win, it was going to take a slice of luck, which is exactly what they got.
In the 83rd minute, a Jonjo Shelvey cross was launched into the box for Andy Carroll to nod down, and a clash of heads saw the ball fall into the penalty area.
As Palace has clearly judged him not a threat – Almiron found himself completely unmarked with the ball falling awkwardly towards him.
It was always thought Almiron’s first goal would be a deflection or something of that nature given how poor his luck has been in front of goal.
But it was thankfully the total opposite.
A brilliant piece of improvisation saw the midfielder leap backwards and rifle a left-footed strike past Vicente Guaita, in a moment which seemed to surprise Almiron himself.
It was a phenomenal moment and Newcastle fans have reacted with little more than pure joy.
Toon fans praise Miggy
https://twitter.com/GazpiIicueta/status/1208437904315473920
https://twitter.com/BenWalker1984/status/1208435218165764099
https://twitter.com/Colchilly/status/1208439887214600192
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