Newcastle United have something of a reputation.
Branded “annoying” by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for their propensity to waste time last season, Newcastle certainly ruffled a few feathers. Quite whether that tag is a fair representation of the team is up for debate, of course.
Eddie Howe is believed to have studied Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone – regarded as a master of the dark arts in football – during his time between jobs.
While direct comparisons seem somewhat pointless given the differences in leagues and playing styles, Newcastle do have a battling spirit in that kind of vein.
Which is why a new directive from the Premier League this season was worrying. Referees are cracking down on wasting time and dissent shown by players.
Now, the Daily Mail have shared a study on how teams are dealing with that.
Yellow cards for dissent: Where Newcastle rank in the Premier League
Indeed, they point out at that Newcastle are second in the division when it comes to yellow cards received for dissent.
Fulham lead the way with 11, while Tottenham join Newcastle in joint-second on eight.
It must be said, however, that three of those came in one game when Anthony Gordon, Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff vented their frustration after Kai Havertz’s tackle on the latter.
Newcastle yellow cards: Howe’s team play on the edge
That kind of battling spirit has clearly worked for Newcastle in the Howe era.
Still, that doesn’t mean it is without risk. Howe spoke of needing to remind players of the importance of keeping all eleven players on the pitch during the battle with Arsenal after Bruno Guimaraes went on something of a rampage.
The Brazilian missed the dismal defeat away at Bournemouth due to too many bookings. Gordon, meanwhile, was suspended for the draw with West Ham.
Though Newcastle haven’t received a red card this season, too many bookings have cost them at times.
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