Steve Bruce reacts to Allan Saint-Maximin's stunning performance for Newcastle United

Steve Bruce hailed his Newcastle United side after a convincing 4-1 win over Bournemouth.

Published 1st Jul 2020, 20:34 BST

Updated 1st Jul 2020, 20:37 BST

Miguel Almiron, left, is congratulated by Nabil Bentaleb.

Dwight Gayle, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron and Valentino Lazaro were on target for Bruce’s side at the Vitality Stadium, while Allan Saint-Maximin set up three goals.

And the result lifted the club up to 13th in the Premier League with 42 points.

“It was arguably our best performance of the season,” said head coach Bruce. “Since we’ve changed system, the players have bought into it. They’ve enjoyed that freedom. It’s always great to score the first goal in the Premier League. To score the first goal is always a bonus. It was nice for Dwight.”

On Saint-Maximin, Bruce said: “I wasn't planning on starting him, I thought four games in 11 days was too much. He bounced into training, and was full of himself. He was terrific.”