This idea that he's only effective when we counter attack is something he's been lumbered with because of the way Pardew sets his team up IMO. Better teams have more options on the ball so there's less need for solo runs. But I guess we'll only find out when he moves on.
Oh even when we play our regular shit game he's still our most dangerous player but I think it's clear he thrives in the space that counter attacking gives him. This is why he generally plays well against the big teams IMO