Attack, attack, attack! Ayoze Perez backing attack-minded Steve McClaren’s gameplan

McClaren tinkered with his system a month ago in response to the lack of chances the Magpies were creating, pairing Perez with Aleksandar Mitrovic in attack.

It’s had the desired effect at one end of the pitch, with United scoring twice against Chelsea, creating several chances against Manchester City and hitting Norwich for six.

But Newcastle have continued to struggle in defence, with the 3-0 defeat seeing them second-bottom of the Premier League with the joint worst goal difference, along with Bournemouth.

The Magpies have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine games since leaving Old Trafford with a goalless draw back in August.

Perez, however, insists attack is the best form of defence for McClaren’s team as they prepare for tomorrow’s crucial clash with Stoke City at St James’s Park.

“We have to think what’s going because we’ve conceded too many goals,” said the Spaniard.

“But I think this is the way to play because we are better than many good teams, so we have to stay together now and think about Stoke.”

No team has conceded more Premier League goals than the 22 Newcastle have leaked, with ill-discipline not helping their cause.

United have had three players sent off in the first half of games this season, but Perez says they must continue to “fight” for success, starting against Mark Hughes’ side this weekend.

He added: “We have Stoke at home, one more chance to show what we can do and always fight to win.”