Jermaine Jenas suggests Newcastle boss Steve Bruce made mistake against Arsenal

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Jermaine Jenas has suggested on BBC One’s broadcast Match of the Day 2 (10.35pm, Sunday) that Steve Bruce should have started Newcastle recruit Allan Saint-Maximin against Arsenal on Sunday.

Amid protests and a planned boycott of the match, Bruce made his debut as Newcastle manager against the Gunners at St. James’ Park – but only handed one debut from the off, despite bringing in four new players.

Joelinton started up front for Newcastle, with fellow new signings Saint-Maximin, Jetro Willems and Emil Krafth on the bench. Saint-Maximin and Willems came off the bench to make their debuts.

Arsenal won the match 1-0 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s winner, despite a brave performance from The Toon. Former Newcastle midfielder Jenas suggested Bruce should have started Saint-Maximin.

“He [Saint-Maximin] was exciting. In the second half, Newcastle were flat until he came on,” Jenas said. “He looks very dangerous, he’s quick and he’s powerful. He’s everything centre-halves hate.

TBR’s view – Jenas right, Saint-Maximin must start for Newcastle

The Frenchman is the kind of player Newcastle fans will love, as Jenas says. Though Rafa Benitez did a near-miraculous job on Tyneside, the club were defensive-minded and lacked much excitement.

Now, Bruce has the chance to thrill Toon fans. Not only has Saint-Maximin been added to the side, but Miguel Almiron looks like a different player – should his first-half display be something to go by.

Saint-Maximin’s substitute display is enough to convince Bruce to start him. It would be a travesty if the Frenchman is not included in the starting eleven, when Newcastle take on Norwich at Carrow Road this weekend.