Newcastle continued their winning start to pre-season with a 2-1 victory over Rangers in front of a sold-out Ibrox during Allan McGregor’s testimonial match.
The deciding goal arrived via the head of Harrison Ashby three minutes from time, 8,000 Geordies celebrating behind the net into which the defender turned Alexander Isak’s delivery.
Miguel Almiron had given Eddie Howe’s side the lead on 16 minutes before Sam Lammers levelled in the second half.
But there was a big talking point as Newcastle’s skilful winger Allan Saint-Maximin didn’t travel.
Our North East football correspondent CRAIG HOPE was there to bring you his five talking points…
Newcastle continued their winning start to pre-season with a 2-1 win over Rangers in Glasgow
Eddie Howe oversaw a decent performance but there were plenty of post-match talking points
French dis-connection…
The biggest point of discussion from a Newcastle perspective was those who were not at Ibrox. Namely, Saint-Maximin. The 26-year-old did not travel to Glasgow with talks ongoing over a move to Saudi club Al Ahli.
Because of Financial Fair Play, the Magpies need to sell to free funds to complete their intended summer spending and, with Saint-Maximin likely to go, Leicester’s Harvey Barnes is set to arrive.
Is that a trade up? Some supporters would argue not, but Barnes, unlike Saint-Maximin, is the type of wideman Howe likes, one who works in both directions, rarely misses a game and scores goals – 37 of them during the last three seasons. In the same period, Saint-Maximin has nine.
Afterwards, Howe said: ‘Allan’s in discussions regarding a move. With FFP we have to trade, otherwise we would be stuck this summer. I don’t want to lose him. FFP forces it, to a degree. It looks like it will happen. Sometimes these things have to happen for club to grow.’
Howe revealed that Newcastle are selling Alan Saint-Maximin to fund more arrivals
No-show Joe…
The other notable Newcastle absentee was Joelinton, although the Brazilian is not on the verge of a move elsewhere.
His visa for the forthcoming US tour has been delayed – he was convicted of drink-driving earlier this year – and he will travel separately to the States when the paperwork arrives.
Elliot Anderson deputised on the left of a midfield three and, just like during Saturday’s 3-2 win at Gateshead, the academy graduate impressed.
He is powerful, skilful and direct. Don’t be surprised this season to see him move well beyond the three Premier League starts he has to his name already.
Joelinton wasn’t part of Newcastle’s win over Rangers and will travel to USA for the club’s pre-season tour separately as his visa has been delayed
Toon-ali…
Sandro Tonali made his Newcastle debut following his £52million arrival from Milan. It was certainly an eye-catching introduction.
Deployed to the right of a midfield three, his first involvement – a tidy touch to escape his man – was a sign of things to come. It was his pass, splitting the lines to find Anderson, that allowed his fellow midfielder to lay on the opening goal for Almiron.
The idea that Tonali will be used primarily as a midfield pivot was dispelled here. We should expect to see him make a big impact in the final third, given the cuteness of his passing and ability to drive beyond opponents. He looks a real class act.
Sandro Tonali finally made his Newcastle debut following his £52m arrival from AC Milan
The Italian (right) showed touches of brilliance that make him a midfielder with lots of potential for Howe’s side next season
Mig impact…
The foundations for Almiron’s brilliant start to last season were laid during a free-scoring summer. He netted eight times before November’s World Cup and it felt like, finally, he was realising his true potential under Howe.
However, just two goals from the turn of the year had fans questioning whether his previous form was something of a purple patch, as opposed to a corner turned for good. The jury remains out in that regard but his opening goal here, tucked confidently beyond McGregor, was a throwback to those heady days of last autumn.
With the likely arrival of Barnes, Almiron will know he has to step up again if he is to regain the starting spot he lost in the second half of last season.
Miguel Almiron (left) knows he has to step up again with the likely arrival of Harvey Barnes
Anthony GO-rdon
The winger looked bright during the second half, and he will feel like the proverbial new signing for Newcastle following his £40m arrival from Everton in January.
He struggled to adapt to the intensity of Howe’s side last season but, after returning victorious from the Under-21 European Championship and as player of the tournament, there are high hopes for the 22-year-old inside St James’.
They are convinced they have recruited a future England international and believe his ‘elite pace’ can make the difference in the final third this season.
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