While it’s a pleasure to watch as a supporter, there’s no doubt this Newcastle team like to wind up the opposition.
Indeed, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has labelled Eddie Howe’s side as “annoying”, while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is another to have hit out at their time-wasting tactics.
Certainly, they have the quality to compete and the willingness to indulge in the proverbial dark arts too. This season, until recently at least, that has been nothing short of a winning combination.
In fact, even in defeat, it seems Howe’s men are still able to rile their opponents.
Erling Haaland and Dan Burn go at it
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland – who in truth was largely pocketed by Jamaal Lascelles despite Newcastle’s loss at the Etihad – was not a happy man at one point during the game.
The Norway international was seen sprinting over to Newcastle defender Dan Burn towards the end of the 2-0 defeat and duly sparked on an on-field brawl.
Haaland seemed to take issue following Burn’s foul on Jack Grealish, who has hardly endeared himself to the Newcastle squad following his comments on Miguel Almiron.
The two giants clashed at the end of Haaland’s run, locking into a furious shoving match much to the dismay of their teammates.
Eventually, the scuffle was broken up, and both players went into the book as a result of it.
The loss leaves Newcastle four points off fourth-placed Tottenham, albeit with a game in hand.
Heading into the upcoming games with Wolves and Nottingham Forest, Howe’s side desperately need to stumble upon their scoring touch again, or this season will end in disappointment.