Eddie Howe brushed aside Mikel Arteta’s backhanded compliment after guiding Newcastle to a second successive win over Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal at St James’ Park.
Just as they had done last season, the Gunners emerged from their trip to Tyneside on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline, and this time there was no controversial goal to blame for the defeat.
Arteta instead admitted his side had been sucked into the Magpies’ game – “They are really good at what they want to do,” he said – and had not shown the “best version” of themselves.
Asked about the Spaniard’s comments, Howe said: “It’s irrelevant to me what anyone says, really, apart from my team, and that’s how we’ve always looked at it because there’s always outside noise wherever that comes from.
“We just try to do what we do to to try to win games on a consistent basis. We know that it’s been inconsistent this season. We’ve had good bits, some not so good bits.
“Generally the last few games, our performance level has definitely increased and we’ve been consistent with it. Initially the results didn’t come. The last two games, I think we’ve been rewarded for that upturn.”
Those two games – a 2-0 Carabao Cup fourth-round victory over Chelsea and three points against Arsenal – have changed the complexion of Newcastle’s campaign after a mixed start.
Alexander Isak’s 12th-minute header – his third goal in as many games – from Anthony Gordon’s cross ultimately proved decisive, but the Magpies’ win was due to their organisation and defensive resilience as much as his potency.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope had only a handful of saves to make, largely as a result of the protection he was afforded with full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall outstanding in the face of a sustained assault by Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
However, asked about £63million record signing Isak’s contribution, head coach Howe said: “He is a class act.
“He’s an outstanding player, and I’m really pleased to see him score the type of goal he did today because it’s not a trademark Alex goal, but it’s such an important avenue of goals for us.
“It was a great cross from Anthony, he’s in the right position and I thought it was an incredible header from the distance he was out.”
Arteta, who left the North East fuming after the corresponding fixture last season, this time departed disappointed, but philosophical about his side’s title chances when they resume domestic action after Wednesday night’s Champions League trip to Inter Milan.
When it was pointed out that they could be eight points adrift this weekend, he said: “I understand that, but after eight, nine or 10 games last year we didn’t [talk about it] and we won’t talk about it now.
“It’s about how you react to that. We’re not going to find the right words or answers to describe how we feel. We have to put it on that field on Wednesday night against Inter.
“It’s not about the hope of winning the title, it’s about being our best selves every single week. Today we weren’t our best version.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
