Let's make this perfectly clear before going any further, Allan Saint-Maximin is one of Newcastle United's best players. Kieran Trippier has raised the bar within weeks of his arrival, and the squad lacks a clinical finisher in the absence of top goalscorer Callum Wilson.
But in Saint-Maximin, Newcastle boast a rare ace card, a player capable of conjuring a goal out of nothing. On his day, there are not many teams who could cope with a talent who was recently labelled 'unplayable' by Everton boss Frank Lampard.
It was less than two months ago that Saint-Maximin simply tore the Toffees to shreds to the delight of the Gallowgate as Eddie Howe's side registered a vital 3-1 victory over their relegation rivals. But just 38 days later, the fans' favourite has gone from hero to supposed villain having conceded possession for Alex Iwobi's winning goal.
Such a black-and-white verdict ignores the manner in which Everton's matchwinner was afforded so much space to play a simple one-two with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and score. Saint-Maximin should not have lost the ball on the halfway line, but it was no foregone conclusion that the visitors should concede from that position.
Social media will never provide the balanced forum required for a nuanced post-match review into what was only Newcastle's second league defeat in 2022. However, seemingly enough questions were raised to prompt a response from the man himself on Saturday.
Saint-Maximin is right to remind those doubting him that 'people forget quickly', given the fact he has registered the most goal contributions for the Magpies this season. Almost each of these five goals and three assists have helped his side pick up points in what has been another troubled campaign for the club.
Newcastle's success rate with and without the former Nice forward during the Steve Bruce era was well-documented. The Magpies' victory away at Brentford last month was their first without Saint-Maximin for 442 days.
These should serve as the preface to any discussions surrounding the performances and value of the Magpies' No 10. Saint-Maximin remains the team's talisman, and has shown the potential to one day rival cult entertainers such as Hatem Ben Arfa and David Ginola.
However. all of this does not make Saint-Maximin exempt from criticism. Newcastle's recent performances in the absence of the attacker has raised legitimate questions over his off-the-ball contributions.
It was not so much of an issue under former head coach Bruce when the tactic at times often resembled giving the ball to Saint-Maximin and hoping for the best. But this is a different Newcastle now, one where Howe can make a host of last-minute changes and still put out a team capable of pressing and frustrating Chelsea on their own turf.
Injury and illness has limited Saint-Maximin to just one start since that destructive display against Everton at St James' Park. This is a caveat that again must be stressed when evaluating his recent displays.
Saint-Maximin replaced Miguel Almiron at Stamford Bridge in the 69th minute, and never came close to matching the Paraguay international's industry out of possession. The No 10's attacking returns dwarf those of his fellow wide men, but he has consistently proven he does not provide the same application in defence as Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy.
Goals win games, but these defensive deficiencies have become more pronounced as Howe has transformed the Magpies into a more disciplined and resolute unit. Joelinton and Matt Targett have often been tasked with compensating for these limitations along the left flank.
Does Saint-Maximin's ability in the final third outweigh these concerns over his defensive contributions? Or does Fraser's form which earned the Scotland international a player of the month nomination prove Howe and supporters should expect more of their talisman?
Newcastle's second warm-weather training camp of the season has come at a good time for both the team and Saint-Maximin himself. The international break should hopefully give the 25-year-old the chance to shrug off any lingering after-effects of his recent injury and illness.
There does not need to be such a toxic divide when it comes to debating Saint-Maximin. Fans can revel in watching a genuine unique matchwinner on a weekly basis, while also questioning whether he could be offering more.
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