NEWCASTLE’s defense endured the heat in Atlanta, but Miguel Almiron, a calm returning hero, demonstrated his potential to thrive next season.
The Paraguayan winger, a former favorite son, lighted up a sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a spectacular finish in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea after Toon paid Atlanta United £20 million for him in 2019.
In Atlanta, the adoration for “Miggy,” who is beloved on Tyneside for his work ethic, contagious smile, and fantastic left foot, is unmatched.
‘The 71,000 fans cheered the hardest when the teams were announced, and when he tied the score just before halftime, the roar was thunderous.
With a magnificent move from his own half, Anthony Gordon set up the situation before slipping Almiron, 29, in front of Marc Cucurella.
The grinning assassin carried out the remaining steps in customary style, stroking towards the furthest corner beyond Kepa before soaking up the applause by raising his arms and tapping his heart.
Last season, the Toon Army witnessed that particular goal repeatedly as Almiron scored 11 goals after managing just nine in the previous four campaigns.
Although his right foot is still absent, the one-trick pony nevertheless dazzles when charging toward goal with his reliable left foot.
As the Magpies get ready for a Champions League adventure, Almiron still has the right wing spot to lose because Gordon and newcomer Harvey Barnes are likely to battle it out on the left.
However, Eddie Howe is undoubtedly worried about some of his team’s defending on this preseason tour of the US even though the wingers connected to deadly effect.
Aston Villa tore Chelsea’s front three in Philadelphia to pieces early on, but Mykhailo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku had a field day for Chelsea here.
Last season, Toon’s defense was outstanding, tying champion Manchester City in just 33 goals allowed while finishing fourth.
The starting back four of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn played in almost every game, although they struggled against the Blues and needed help from goalies Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope.
Botman was unprepared for Jackson’s opening goal, Fabian Schar was given a torrid time before being substituted hurt in the first half, while livewire Mudryk left Trippier in a bewildered heap.
Lewis Miley, a 17-year-old, demonstrated that he could play a role in the forthcoming season by dressing the part in midfield, as he has done all summer when given the chance.
