Newcastle United were the masters of the dark arts a couple of seasons ago, and now Arsenal are trying to replicate them.
Eddie Howe was unapologetic during the 2022/23 season, as his Newcastle United threatened to become a force in the Premier League. They were suddenly a match for anyone, boasting the street smart skills needed to succeed at the top level.
The Magpies were not looking to make any friends, and played the game they wanted to get the best result possible as they went on to qualify for the Champions League.
They made some enemies along the way, with opposition managers furious with Newcastle’s style of play.
Arsenal wasted time during their 2-2 draw with Manchester City
Now Arsenal have become guilty of doing the same, as they do whatever it takes in tight games to get over the line and stay within touching distance of Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta knows his side must do whatever it takes to become Premier League champions, and they showcased that at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal and Manchester City drew 2-2, with Arteta’s 10 men sitting in for the entire second half and defending. They wasted time at any opportunity, as they attempted to run the clock down and return to North London with all three points.
Unfortunately for them, John Stones was able to grab a 98th minute equaliser. In the aftermath of the goal, Erling Haaland threw the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel, but he will not be retrospectively punished. That means that Haaland will be available to face Newcastle United on Saturday.
Don Hutchison takes issue with Mikel Arteta
Following Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, a new stat has emerged.
BBC Sport have posted on X that after the opening five Premier League season, Arsenal delay the restart to games more than any other club.
They average delays of 34 seconds, which puts them ahead of the 19 other top flight clubs.
While that should be caveated with the fact they have played twice with 10-men, pundit Don Hutchison has taken issue with Arteta’s side.
In reply to BBC Sport’s tweet, he posted on X: “Quite ironic this, as Arteta acted very immature accusing Newcastle United of this a couple of seasons ago.”
What Mikel Arteta had previously said about Newcastle United’s tactics
Over the past couple of seasons, Newcastle United and Arsenal have played out some fierce games. And Mikel Arteta has been incensed on a couple of occasions.
The first came after a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in January 2023. Newcastle United defended resolutely to pick up a point, and severely dent Arsenal’s title chances.
During that game, there were certainly a few examples of Toon players practicing the dark arts of football. Jamaal Lascelles even got a booking when he was not even on the pitch, for example.
Late in the game, the Guardian noted that Arteta had spoke to the fourth official about Newcastle’s timewasting.
After full time, the Guardian wrote: “I think the game might be more remembered for Arteta’s moaning on the touchline. Newcastle were wasting time but is generally what teams do against top of the league. I think Arteta might need to learn how to deal with these situations better.”
Arteta also remarked on Newcastle’s style of play against his side, telling the Telegraph: “I am not sure why they set up like that. They haven’t set up like that against any team this season.”
The meeting between Newcastle and Arsenal at St James’ Park last season was also hotly contested, with the Magpies winning 1-0 thanks to a very controversial goal from Anthony Gordon.
Ahead of that game, Arteta was prepared for Newcastle to potentially waste time, and even admitted that it is something his team does as well.
Arteta told the Daily Mail: “We are so used to things that we do as well. Every team tries to use tactics to manage the game in the right way. It’s not something new and we are trying to get better at everything, and tomorrow this will be something minimal in the course of the game.”
Don Hutchison’s Newcastle defence is perhaps a little harsh
While Arteta has had issues with Newcastle’s style of play in the past, particularly in January 2023, to describe him as ‘immature’ is a bit harsh from Hutchison.
Tempers flared that night at the Emirates, but timewasting was not the only reason Arteta was furious. His side also had a couple of penalty shouts that went against them, as Newcastle held on for an impressive 0-0 draw.
Since then, Arsenal have become street smart themselves. The Gunners did a job on Newcastle later that season, while they tried to get one over on Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Arteta certainly was not the biggest critic of Newcastle’s tactics during the 2022/23 season. Erik ten Hag was much more scathing, for example.
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