Eddie Howe reveals what he actually thinks about Newcastle’s set-piece record under Martin Mark

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has refused to be too critical of his team’s set-piece record following the appointment of Martin Mark. 

Mark joined Newcastle United’s coaching staff as a set-piece coach in July but the team are yet to really see the benefits of that. 

Newcastle United’s relatively poor record from set-pieces has attracted criticism from supporters online and it has been brought into sharp focus ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal. 

While The Gunners are clearly an excellent team from open play too, a large part of their success has been built on a brilliant set-piece record in recent seasons.

It would be nice to see Newcastle benefit from Mark’s appointment soon, but Howe insists all of the coaching staff are to blame. 

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Eddie Howe defends Newcastle United set-piece coach Martin Mark  

The Newcastle United manager delivered his verdict earlier this week.

He admitted that while the Newcastle United squad contains players with height and players who can provide some decent delivery, things are yet to click.  

However, Howe refused to zero in on Mark and instead took responsibility himself. 

“We have the players, we have the height and we have the delivery,” he said (via BBC Sport).

“But something is not quite clicking, and that’s not a criticism of any coach. That’s a criticism of me.

“I’m ultimately responsible for it. We can do better in that respect and we will do the work to try and be better.”

How many goals Newcastle United have scored from set-pieces this season

To Mark’s credit, two of Newcastle United’s three Premier League goals this season have in part come from set-piece situations. 

Bruno Guimaraes crashed in a header against Liverpool from a Tino Livramento cross after the defender’s long throw-in was cleared.

Later in that dramatic game, William Osula poked home what looked like an equaliser after he latched onto Nick Pope’s free-kick from deep, with some help from Dan Burn holding off Ibrahima Konate along the way. 

It must also be said that Newcastle are yet to concede from a set-piece this season, too.

Still, it does feel as if Newcastle aren’t making the most of what is at their disposal. Often, corners lead to nothing despite the aforementioned height and delivery options in the squad.

Leeds, Crystal Palace, Arsenal and Chelsea have all scored more goals from set-pieces this season.

Hopefully, things start to click quickly. All the tools are there.