Thursday 20 September 2018 14:48, UK
Ayoze Perez says Newcastle must kick their season into life this weekend as they look to get their first win at Crystal Palace.
The Magpies have had a tough start to the campaign with four of their five games against top-six sides.
They lost all four of those matches - along with drawing at Cardiff - but their schedule appears to ease up in the next month as they face Palace, Leicester, Brighton and Southampton.
"Now our league starts and it's time to start getting points," Perez told Sky Sports.
"It has been quite a tough start to the season. We have had games against the top sides and we could have picked up some points, but we couldn't. Now we are playing against a team in our league, which we can beat, and we are making sure we are ready for it.
"If you compare our situation with our performances we shouldn't be where we are, but we have been playing against the top sides. Even with a perfect game you can get beaten, but only we can make it better.
"Now is the time to get points, that's the most important thing. It's time to play against 'normal' teams and start doing what we did last season."
Having been promoted from the Sky Bet Championship in 2016/17, Newcastle finished 10th last season.
They are currently second from bottom in the Premier League, but Perez thinks they can start moving up the table.
"We want to get that feeling of winning and start climbing the table and feeling more confident. Hopefully we can have that this weekend," he said.
"There is no panic in the dressing room, the mood is still good, we are confident in ourselves and what we can do. As soon as we get the first win we can build momentum."
Asked about the importance of manager Rafael Benitez to Newcastle, Perez added: "The players have to be pleased to have him. Most of us have improved a lot under him.
"We have to keep learning from him, that's what we are trying to do. He's a great manager. We have done a great job because of him and hopefully there is more to come."
