As the final seconds ticked down in Newcastle United's second Premier League defeat of the season, Jamie Carragher made a rather bold decision live on Sky Sports. Instead of giving the Man of the Match award to one of Liverpool's impressive stars, he opted to give it to Magpies flyer Allan Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman, who has been battling to regain his place in this Newcastle setup of late, needed a positive showing with Wembley on the horizon - and it's fair to say he didn't disappoint. Saint-Maximin was the Magpies' bright spark throughout the clash, driving his team forward at every opportunity and causing problems for Liverpool's backline.
Many supporters feel the mercurial winger has been reluctant to take players on in recent weeks, instead opting for a simple pass or appearing restricted in this Eddie Howe team. However, his performance on Saturday night was the Saint-Maximin of old; daring, bold, fearless and dangerous.
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Saint-Maximin almost assisted Miguel Almiron up in the first-half and was then denied himself by a stunning Allison save before the interval. In the second-half he also blazed over with his left foot after holding onto the ball despite three Liverpool defenders surrounding him.
If Saturday's Premier League tie was an audition for the Carabao Cup final then Saint-Maximin passed. On his day, when he is in that type of mood, he adds so much to this Newcastle side.
The decision over whether he starts next weekend rests on uncertainty elsewhere on the pitch. Will Callum Wilson be fit enough to lead the line, potentially forcing Alexander Isak out wide? Will Joe Willock be passed fit in time? Who does Bruno Guimaraes replace upon his eagerly-awaited return?
Speaking after the game, Howe heaped praise on Maxi and praised his partnership with summer arrival Isak. “I thought Maxi started the game really well on the left and gave them problems,” he said.
“He gave them transitional problems, and then when he moved centrally, into a different role, his influence on the game was still there. He formed a really good partnership with Alex (Isak) – I thought they looked really good together with their dribbling ability and their pace."
There will be arguments for starting Saint-Maximin on the bench in the capital next week. Newcastle are arguably a more balanced team without him and Dan Burn will need a lot of defensive help to keep either Jadon Sancho or Antony quiet down Manchester United's right-side. He is also the ideal impact sub when legs begin to tire at the business end of a game.
But Newcastle's chances of lifting the silverware would be bolstered with Saint-Maximin on the field from the outset. A confidence player ever since he stepped foot on Tyneside, he has enjoyed a recent run of games and looks back to his usual self.
Fans have urged Saint-Maximin to re-find his old form for weeks now. His showing against Liverpool was as close to the 'Old' Maxi we've seen since the start of the season.
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