The Magpies were beaten 1-0 at St. James’ Park in their 2019/20 curtain-raiser, but caused the Gunners plenty of problems in the first half in particular.
Joelinton went close twice and Jonjo Shelvey rattled the woodwork as Steve Bruce’s men looked to get a foothold in the contest early on.
But Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second half strike won it for the visitors, and Saint-Maximin – who made his competitive United bow as a 66th-minute substitute – felt his side’s failure to get on the scoresheet ended up costing them dearly.
“I’m disappointed because we wanted to win this game. We did a lot of things and had a lot of occasions to score, but we played against a very good team – we have to know that,” he told nufc.co.uk. “I think we did a good job, and in football sometimes, you do everything and you don’t score, and sometimes you have one occasion and you don’t score.
“I think it’s what happened today. Arsenal didn’t have a lot of occasions – they maybe had five occasions, Aubameyang got one and scored directly. Joelinton had a lot of occasions, Shelvey too with a good shot.
“We did a good job, but the goalkeeper did good things. We’re really disappointed.”
The 22-year-old added: “Sometimes you score directly, and sometimes you don’t score and after, it’s more difficult. It’s about this game – we played against a good team with very good players and we lost only 1-0. I hope everything will be better against Norwich.”
Saint-Maximin received a fine welcome as he entered the fray in place of Sean Longstaff, with the hosts chasing an equaliser.
He turned in a lively display, running at the Gunners’ backline and forcing Bernd Leno into a save in what was a promising home debut from the former Nice winger.
And he now hopes it won’t be too long before the Magpies faithful see the best of him in a black and white shirt.
“It was really good. They are amazing fans and I want to do everything for the fans,” he said. “You see when I came on the pitch and everybody (was) shouting. I want to score and I want to make assists.
“I know and the fans know in this game it’s difficult to show what you have to show, but I think it’s a good (chellenge) for every player. We have to do better things against Norwich to win.
“I need more time to show what I have to show, but first I have to stay in the bench and come a little bit and play a little bit – it’s what I have to do. I have to work hard in training to be in the 11 and maybe do better things.”
