Perez stokes Toon fervour
AYOZE PEREZ says Newcastle are keen to show their critics they belong in the Premier League.
After their promotion from the Championship and a shaky top-flight return, the Toon have won their last two games.
Victory at Swansea – with poorly manager Rafael Benitez at home watching from his sofa – followed an impressive home showing against West Ham.
Forward Perez said: “We had to be in the Championship and it was a tough year. Nobody feels good when you get relegated, but we have been working very hard to show that we should be playing in this league.
“We have to get the right mentality because we know the season is long and tough. We need to keep going the same way.”
Benitez missed the victory at Swansea as he recovers from illness, but watched on TV as Jamaal Lascelles’ header gave the visitors victory at the Liberty Stadium.
Newcastle host Stoke on Saturday with Benitez expected back in the dugout, and Perez is confident Newcastle can push further up the Premier League table.
“We have got two wins in a row and the most important thing is we know the mentality we need,” said Perez.
“It’s important that these wins are going to give us some confidence. Now we are playing at home with our fans and we’ll see what happens.”