Pundit backs Eddie Howe after ‘bizarre’ Newcastle United development this week
Newcastle United should pay no notice to critics after a controversial performance against Arsenal.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about recent criticism of Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle’s style of play was criticised after Tuesday’s (3 January) 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
As per Opta, the ball was only in play for 51 minutes and 23 seconds during the game, just 52% of the 90-minute clash.
Speaking after the game, as quoted by Arsenal, Arteta appeared to take aim at the Magpies’ tactics, saying, “they [Newcastle] haven’t played like this all season.
In response, Howe said during his Friday (6 January) press conference, “we’re not here to be popular. We’re here to compete”.
“That’s absolutely the right attitude to have and the fans love to see it,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“What were Newcastle going to do, turn up at Arsenal, play expansive football and get ripped apart? They went there to frustrate them and that’s what they did.
“Atletico Madrid have been doing it for years and you don’t see them get criticised. It’s up to Arsenal to work out how to beat them.
“For years Newcastle would go to these places, The Emirates, Anfield, Old Trafford and get destroyed. Now they are going there and winning, as they did at Tottenham, or at the very least not getting beat.
“I find the whole thing bizarre to be honest, Newcastle did what they had to do to get a result.
“They didn’t break any rules.”