Eddie Howes Newcastle has been accused of wasting time and playing power against Newcastle (Image: Getty)

Eddie Howe has insisted it’s not Newcastle’s job to be popular after ruffling even more feathers by smothering Arsenal’s Premier League title.

The in-form Magpies extended their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night that enraged Gunners boss Mikel Arteta over both an alleged waste of time and a penalty decision. who did not go his own way.

Liverpool counterparts Jurgen Klopp were also unfazed at the start of the season after his side inflicted Newcastle’s only defeat of the season so far with a 98th-minute winner, but Howe made no apology as he was knocked out in the FA third round the preparation for the Saturday Cup fell. against Sheffield Wednesday.

He said: “We are not here to be popular and to get other teams to like us. We are here to compete and to compete we have to give everything to try and get a positive result.

“I have no problem saying that. That’s our job and we’ll try to keep doing that.”

Newcastle’s attempts to frustrate Arsenal proved highly effective, albeit unpopular with home fans, as the North London club’s perfect home record went up in smoke.

The ball was reportedly in play for just 51 minutes and 23 seconds out of the 90 minutes, a statistic used by former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein to support his calls for timing out of the referee’s hands.

However, Howe said, “Depending on how the game plays out and where the momentum is in play, you have to be smart and clever and find a way to create a positive outcome for your team.” good aspect of our game this year.

“But on the other hand, I think we’ve been very proactive and tried to keep the ball in play for the vast majority of our games.”

Howe has guided his club to third place and the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, giving fans hungry for success another reason to dream.

They didn’t do this to overall success, but the 44-year-old, who gave everything he could despite Arteta’s tantrum on the sidelines, will continue to give his team full support.

He said: “Sometimes I have to be very strong for my team, for the club. I have no problem with it as long as I don’t lose my discipline and control. But I definitely have to stand up for what I believe in at times.”