Newcastle United's record goal scorer Alan Shearer has praised Ayoze Perez after the Spaniard grabbed a hattrick in the victory over Southampton.
The Magpies beat the Saints 3-1 at St James' Park with Perez scoring a brace in the first half, and adding a third in the final few moments of the game as the pressure was building on Newcastle.
The victory leaves United virtually safe with Cardiff City only needing to lose their next game for Premier League football to be secured for next season.
In-front of more than 52,000, United impressed with a brilliant performance in the first half - blowing Southampton away with a dominant display; Perez , Almiron and Rondon standing out.
Perez fired past Angus Gunn moments after Jason Ward-Prowse escaped a red for blocking Almiron off.
The second came from a fantastic Rondon cross moments later - Perez sliding in from the right.
Southampton however came out in the second and turn the game on it's head - pulling a deserved goal back in the 59th minute.
United with their backs against the wall needed Perez's third four minutes before time.
Shearer was left impressed by Perez's performance and told social media that the striker will be in his team of the week: "Very impressive again Ayoze Perez, Premier League team of the week for you!"
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