Ayoze Perez has always divided opinion among Newcastle fans, and his two-goal display against Everton, in many ways, epitomised his Toon career, with a lack-lustre first half performance being eclipsed by a match-winning second half.
The Spaniard — who has been tipped by Luis Garcia to break into the national side — struggled to make any impact in the opening 45 minutes on Saturday, spurning a couple of great opportunities, before blowing the Toffees away in a frantic final quarter of the game.
For us, here at the Tavern, it’s exactly these hot and cold displays that polarise fans, and why he continues to frustrate the Geordie faithful. But for one afternoon at least, fans were unanimous in their praise for him after the game.
A poll, run on Twitter by fans’ site @ToonPolls, asked fans whether they would keep Perez in the summer or sell him, with only five per cent voting to sell him. Certainly, the introduction of Miguel Almiron has helped, and along with the superb hold-up work of Rondon, the three amigos seem to be spurring each other on.
Some of the comments below typify fans’ feelings following the game.
He’s committed, seems to get important goals, and has built a good partnership with Rondón, has to be kept
— James (@NUFCBadger) March 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/Lee_NUFC85/status/1104855486099271682
Always been a fan of his
— Sarah (@SaizydNUFC) March 10, 2019
But it has not always been so rosy for him, as the results of a previous poll showed that more than half the fans voting would have sold him. Although, one fan seemed to sum things up eerily accurately.
Seems like he starts each season underwhelming but is good from March/April on wards (including scoring a back heel in a final day 3-0 win) #nufc
— Laurence Taylor ️ (@laurence_1999) September 23, 2018
So for now, Perez is the toast of the Toon, but for how long? Newcastle fans, what are your thoughts about your Jeckyll & Hyde player? Let us know, and leave your comments below…
