March was a mediocre month for Newcastle United, but multiple players had stellar performances for the Magpies.
Due to the international break, Newcastle United only played three matches in March. The Toon claimed four points from a possible nine last month after losing to West Ham, defeating Everton in dramatic fashion and drawing with Bournemouth on the road. The performance record of one win, one draw and one loss is not impressive, but some Newcastle players were in top form in every match.
Rafa Benitez has praised his players for showing their fighting spirit against Everton and Bournemouth last month. As supporters of the club, we can only hope that Newcastle maintain this level of urgency in April and May. Before looking too far ahead, though, our editorial staff have made their Player of the Month selections for March.
NT Player of the Month for February: Sean Longstaff
Dean Fisk: Ayoze Perez
My pick for Player of the Month is Ayoze Perez. Whilst Perez has deservedly come in for some criticism across the season for his wastefulness in front of goal, Perez really showed what he offers Newcastle. His two goals against Everton in that spectacular comeback takes all the headlines, his work rate and the movement off the ball is what has really impressed.
Alongside Rondon and Almiron, Perez’s running in the channels and link-up play with his teammates has been fantastic, and he pops up with goals when United need them. For his persistence and resilience, Ayoze Perez deserves the Player of the Month.
Durim Halimi: Salomon Rondon
My selection for this month is Salomon Rondon. The Venezuelan striker played extremely well for Newcastle in all three matches. He managed to spark the comeback against Everton with an impressive volley, scored a stunning free kick against Bournemouth and he struck the post from a free kick in the loss against West Ham.
Rondon was the most reliable Magpie last month by being clinical in front of goal. In addition to scoring two goals in three matches, Rondon also assisted Ayoze Perez’s game-winning goal against Everton. So far this season, Rondon has scored nine league goals and bagged five assists.
Carson A. Merk: Ayoze Perez
In a month with three matches, one of each type of result, it was difficult to find a player that was great in all appearances. But, the closest thing to that for me was Ayoze Perez. In the loss to West Ham, he was not clinical in the final third but was the most aggressive, dangerous player for the Toon. That was also a match that I thought Salomon Rondon was underwhelming in.
Ayoze’s crown jewel of the month was the Everton match. The Spaniard buried two goals, the equalizer and the winner, and assisted on the other score. He was brilliant on the day for Rafa Benitez.
With the Bournemouth match, I didn’t have him listed as a poor performer, so he must have been decent enough. I think the much-maligned forward deserves his recognition this month.