Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Southampton.
Ayoze Perez’s goal against Southampton should help to go some way to vindicating Rafael Benitez’s decision to stand by the Spaniard this season.
Benitez has faced some criticism from sections of Newcastle’s support for continuously standing by Perez, rather than turning to the other attacking options in his squad.
The 24-year-old forward is certainly a favourite of the Spanish manager, largely due to his tireless work-rate, but his lack of goals was becoming a major concern.
However, Perez was in sparkling form in the Magpies’ last match against Southampton.
Perez tucked home his first Premier League goal of the season, when he finished neatly under Fraser Forster to put his side into the lead at St. Mary’s.
Newcastle were unable to hold on to claim the three points, but Perez’s display was still an encouraging one.
And Benitez will hope that the former Tenerife man can push on from here to silence the critics of his team selections.
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