PEREZ: WE PROVED WE CAN STOP TOON SLUMP

AYOZE PEREZ said Newcastle’s spirited display at Manchester United proves they can haul themselves out of their slump.

Newcastle remain winless this season and second from bottom in the Premier League, with just two points after eight matches.

Rafa Benitez’s side might have been three or four goals up by the break and out of sight, but Perez (above) admitted they paid the price for a lack of collective knowhow.

But he insisted their first-half display showed they have the quality to notch a first win and start pulling themselves clear of danger.

Spaniard Perez said: “It was a great performance and a very disappointing result.

“What’s so frustrating is that we couldn’t have been in a better position – 2-0 up at Old Trafford with not a lot of time left.

“In certain situations, our understanding of the game has got to be better. But we came to play against a top side and we did that.

“There’s still a long way to go. We can’t afford to panic – especially after a performance like that.”