Perez provides Magpies with a taste of victory
Rafael Benitez was relieved after seeing Newcastle claim their first League win of the season, at the 11th attempt, against high-flying Watford.
The Magpies rode their luck as they battled their way to a 1-0 victory over the Hornets at St James’ Park.
It was Newcastle’s first point at home this season and came despite losing Yoshinori Muto, Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey to injury. Manager Benitez said: “I will say that so many games, there were so many things that we were trying to do in a different way with players, analysing everything, and still we couldn’t get three points when I think we deserved to get the three points in a couple of games or maybe more – Cardiff, Manchester United, Brighton, they were very clear.
“There’s a little bit of relief and we can enjoy it, but keep working hard because (next opponents) Bournemouth are also another team that is on form and it will be difficult.”
Jose Mourinho recognised Manchester United had been “very lucky” to win 2-1 at Bournemouth after their “awful” display throughout the first half. Marcus Rashford’s composed finish in the second minute of stoppage time at the end of the second half secured their latest recovery from a losing position and their third victory from four in the League, further easing the pressure on their manager.
Anthony Martial’s earlier goal, his fifth from those same four games, had given them cause for encouragement towards the end of the first half, during which they fell behind to Callum Wilson’s 11th-minute finish and were often put under pressure. Tottenham withstood a fightback from Wolves to secure the spoils in a 3-2 victory at Molineux in the day’s late game.
First-half goals from Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura put Spurs in the driving seat, with Harry Kane adding a third shortly after the hour mark.
But Juan Foyth gave away two penalties, with Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez both converting from the spot, with the visitors just holding out for the points.
Everton boss Marco Silva hailed their best display of the season as Richarlison got back among the goals with two in a 3-1 victory over Brighton.
The Brazil international started the season as a winger, but is now playing as a lone frontman and his double – either side of Seamus Coleman’s strike – took his tally to six, more than he managed in 38 Premier League matches last season.
Felipe Anderson began to justify his record price tag by firing West Ham to a 4-2 victory over Burnley. The Brazilian playmaker was in grave danger of being branded a £42million flop following some anonymous displays since his switch from Lazio. Marko Arnautovic and sub Javier Hernandez also netted for the Hammers, with Johann Gudmundsson and Chris Wood responding for the Clarets, who now have conceded 13 goals in their last three outings.