31 January 2024 , 22:30
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Newcastle United’s players showered bug-victim Miguel Almiron with praise, saying: ‘Miggy never pulled a sickie.’
Eddie Howe’s players saluted the South American for showing true Geordie Grit as he clambered off the subs’ bench in the Magpies’ hour of need.
Alexander Isak’s groin injury on the stroke of half-time forced the Paraguayan into the action and he played a full part - setting up the final goal as the Toon ended Villa’s record of going 346 days without losing at home in the Premier League. Skipper Kieran Trippier said: “Miggy deserves a lot of credit.
“The manager recognised that when he spoke to all of us players after the game. He has not been very well, and is still unwell. He looked as white as anything before the game because he was so poorly but fair play to him. It shows his professionalism, his commitment to the team.
“It is not easy to come on in the first half and play the way he did and set up the goal. He is up there with one of the best players I have played in front of me. He works so hard, he is honest. I think he deserves more credit.
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“What he brings to the team in terms of commitment, he showed that. Nobody knows what happens behind the scenes so he deserves huge praise. As I said, he’s not been well today. Even before the game. He was not his normal self but his performance spoke for itself.”
Almiron impressed after coming on at Villa Park (TIM KEETON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Almiron was reportedly on his way out of St James’s Park with a transfer to Saudi Arabia being mooted. That would have helped with any profit and sustainability issues but the wide man is clearly a popular figure at the north-east club with colleagues and supporters alike.
Keeper Martin Dubravka added: “Miggy always shows his character and dedication. You could tell he was not right., He was struggling with training so I give him credit. It's not easy when you are ill and show this attitude. He is a great example. If you know him, he is always dedicated and he will never let you down. His heart beats for Newcastle.”
Trippier - along with boss Howe - said the performance at Villa Park harked back to displays at the start of the season. It was only the club’s second victory away from home this season. The other being the 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United.
England defender Trippier added: “It was a massive win because our away record hasn’t been great. We were trying to go back to our old ways. High press, be committed, and we showed that from the first minute.
“The manager is always speaking about being brave and playing out from the back and having trust. We have always tried to play our way but we have come away from that a little bit, compared to last season but here, we were back to our normal selves. Back to our best.”