Perez defies boos to end 174-day Toon win drought
on three substitutions forced on Rafa Benitez by injuries.
Those left on the pitch in the dying minutes were dropping like flies.
Perez taking a hit to the head, Deandre Yedlin a stamp to the ankle, Mo Diame and Fabian Schar both downed by challenges.
But when the final whistle blew arms were raised aloft, and a season was belatedly up and running.
“A mahoooooosive 3 points...” tweeted Toon legend Alan Shearer.
Newcastle’s breakthrough came after 65 minutes. Substitute Ki Sung-yeung was bundled over by Will Hughes on the edge of the box. The Korean drilled in a superb ball which Perez flicked past Ben Foster.
Perez said: “I’m happy to score my first goal of the season and hopefully I can score more and more and keep winning.” It was only the fourth goal the hosts have scored this season at St James’ Park.
Benitez (below) said: “We won. It is a relief and we can enjoy it. We can relax a little bit. Hopefully we can win more games, keep the people happy.”
After a rocky first half, when Watford wasted four good chances, the stadium volume turned up and the Toon players really went into battle.
Benitez added: “Everyone was trying their best. The connection with the fans and players was good, everyone was pushing in the same direction. It made the difference.
“It was a good game full of emotion for everyone.”
When Perez, who can frustrate but got eight goals last term, was introduced just before half-time there were some jeers. Benitez said: “We have to carry on supporting the players. We can stay up and stay united. Work hard, fans and the team together.” With Jonjo Shelvey, Yoshi Muto and Jamaal Lascelles all off injured by the 52nd minute, fresh faces stepped up to prove themselves. Benitez added: “Ayoze was good. Ki and Schar showed composure. They held the team up, and kept the intensity.” Newcastle were nervy for an hour, and Watford should have been out of sight. But missed chances from Adrian Mariappa, Gerard Deulofeu (times three), Andre Gray, who hit the bar, and Stefano Okaka ruined their day. Boss Javi Gracia said: “If you don’t kill the game when you have the chance you have a day like today. “I am disappointed with the result. I can’t be disappointed with my players.”