Allan Saint-Maximin has responded to his critics and vowed to improve by posting a photo on Instagram with the caption – ‘People forget quickly, but I know what to do to restore their memory.’
Some bizarre criticism has come his way after two last-minute defeats against Everton and Chelsea, with some fans on social media feeling he didn’t offer enough when coming on from the bench in both.
The Frenchman has only just returned from injury and is yet to start since picking up a knock in a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa last month – only making 20-minute cameos in the last two games.
Some fans have taken to social media to vent their frustrations and, in many cases, Saint-Maximin has been something of a scapegoat, particularly for the underwhelming performance at Everton.
Here’s the post he shared on his Instagram page earlier today:
Those who questioned him in recent weeks – I’ve seen some even suggest we’d be better off selling him this summer – will soon be singing his name when he’s back fully fit and firing at St James’ Park.
While the 25-year-old lacks defensive qualities – no player is exempt from criticism – to suggest that he is the sole reason we’ve lost either game is ridiculous.
This minority of fans would do well to remember that the winger has the most goal contributions (8) at the club and was one of the only bright sparks that helped keep the team alive under Steve Bruce.
I do hope that Maxi knows the majority of the fans appreciate him & are grateful to have him.
Every fan is entirely to there opinions, but I think some have unrealistic expectations of players coming back from injury.
There is no doubt Max plays for the shirt every time he takes that field. He’s been a huge player for us since joining and will continue to be.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The solution is to have better players around him because he has at least 2 men on him when he gets the ball. This should create space for others. You can see what the opposition think of him because they set up to stop him and then ask our other players to beat them.
He is not perfect and could do with hitting a few more first time passes.
My main gripe with him is that he stays down after he is fouled and the whistle has not gone. Howe needs to sit him down and tell him the Refs are not going to award that foul no matter how much he waves his arms around.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Nobody has suggesting that he is the sole reason we’ve lost those games. People are suggesting that he has contributed.
Personally I think Bruno was the culprit for the Everton game, trying to dribble into players when a pass or a simple boot upfield would have done the job.
What I would say about ASM is that there is something fishy about his injury.
It seems he’s been out too long for a very non-specific injury.
At one point Howe didn’t even seem to know which country he was in or where he was on recovery.
I’m guessing The Frenchman’s doing a bit of a Ben Arfa on us.
BykerBill(Quote)
I think some people forget that these players aren’t cars – either broken or fixed.
Maybe it’s not an injury – maybe he’s got personal stuff going on that he doesn’t want the world knowing. Maybe it’s not an injury to him but a loved one is suffering & his heads not in it – who knows?!?!!
He’s one of our players who gives his all on the pitch. He makes mistakes on there too – but he doesn’t hide & he tries to win us games. He’s earned our loyalty & support & we should get behind the lads.
Sharpy17(Quote)