Steve Bruce has hailed the ‘terrific’ impact of Allan Saint-Maximin in Newcastle’s 3-2 win over West Ham.
Following his brilliant cameo against Burnley last week, the Frenchman was selected in Steve Bruce’s starting eleven this time around.
He played a big part in their opening goal at St James’ Park, driving at Mark Noble before trying to beat keeper Lukasz Fabianski.
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A defensive mix-up between Fabianski and Issa Diop saw the ball go over the line, with Diop getting the last touch.
Craig Dawson picked up a second yellow card in the build-up which proved to be another blow for the Hammers.
Fabianski then continued a brilliantly mental five minutes by gifting Newcastle a second goal. He dropped the ball from a corner, allowing Joelinton to score from a yard out.
West Ham drew level in the second half through Diop and Jesse Lingard, but Newcastle had the last laugh.
Substitute Joe Willock headed home a Matt Ritchie cross in the 82nd-minute as they took a massive step towards Premier League safety.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the win, Bruce said: “It was terrific from Saint-Maximin – it is important that he stays well. He is a very very good player. He has a badly swollen ankle.”
When asked about the team performance, he continued: “I couldn’t be more pleased with the way we played the first half. We had threat, were dangerous every time, we got men forward.
“All of the stuff in the first half, we didn’t do in the second. It is understandable, you go too deep and we made it comfortable for West Ham.”
Lingard’s goal came from the penalty spot following a handball from defender Ciaran Clark.
Speaking about the decision, Bruce said: “I had seen the referee running over to have a look and I couldn’t understand why. By all accounts it is a penalty. If it is we have to accept it. We tried to change instantly and put two strikers up the pitch. It has paid off.”
The win puts Newcastle nine points ahead of 18th-placed Fulham and in a commanding position in their relegation fight.
But Bruce isn’t getting ahead of himself just yet.
When asked if 35 points was enough to keep them safe, the manager added: “I can’t say that. With this club there is always a sting in the tail. There is no disputing it has been a difficult last few weeks but we have lost one of our last seven games and are starting to show that bit of consistency.”
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