Newcastle were beaten once again this weekend, and Ayoze Perez was one of many poor performers.
The Magpies fell to another 2-1 defeat, this time at the hands of Arsenal.
Perez played the full game, starting behind Joselu before moving out wide when Yoshinori Muto entered the game.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The Spaniard was lively throughout, but often wasteful in the first half.
Rafa Benitez’s side pretty much dominated the opening 45 minutes, but it meant nothing. Every break Newcastle got, the likes of Perez wasted possession, which ultimately led to Arsenal taking control in the second half.
The 25-year-old is a polarising figure on Tyneside, blowing hot and cold ever since he arrived in England.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (L) challenges for the ball with Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Perez is yet to score this season for the Magpies, struggling to recapture the form he had at the end of last season. The former Tenerife forward ended the campaign as Newcastle’s top scorer with 10 goals.
Newcastle fans were very upset after the defeat to Arsenal, with many players’ performances criticised by the Toon Army. After some strong performances, this was a step in the wrong direction for Newcastle.
How did Newcastle fans react to Perez’s performance on Twitter?
To a side that really could have been opened up. Rondon on the bench makes no sense. Why sign him if he’s not going to get a game. I’d loved to have seen him start with Rondon and Joselu. Perez offers nothing #NUFC #NEWARS
— ⚽NUFC 1892⚽ (@TheToon1892) September 15, 2018
Not sure Dubravka covered himself in glory with either of those two goals. He left a huge gap on one side of the goal for the FK and Ozil’s goal wasn’t very powerful. But at least he tried, Diame, Hayden & Perez looked like they were going for a stroll in the park. #nufc
— Aaron Glover (@AaronLGlover) September 15, 2018
Poor poor game that like…Hayden Murphy Perez all shocking, sad state like, needed to score 1st half #NUFC
— Paul Kershaw (@PaulKershaw79) September 15, 2018
Perez does absolutely nothing and hasn’t for years! Contributes a couple of goals per season, can’t even do a simple pass! Professional footballer my arse! Not good enough #usless #NUFC
— james hedley (@JamesHedley_) September 15, 2018
Gotta love when you’re on a counter and Ayoze Perez ruins it.
— Coming Home Nostradamus (@ComingHomeNUFC) September 15, 2018
And again Muto does more good things in his 10 minutes than Perez in 90
— Kia (@Kia_NUFC) September 15, 2018
15th September 2018, St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England; EPL Premier League football, Newcastle United Arsenal; Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal jumps in to tackle Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United (photo by Lee Parker/Action Plus via Getty Images)