Newcastle United reject ‘dark arts’ claims as Eddie Howe thanks Unai Emery for ‘Sliding Doors’ moment

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has said he is not the master of Premier League “dark arts” despite claims to the contrary by the likes of Erik ten Hag and Thomas Frank. In fact, he does not even know where the tag has come from as he says it does not reflect how his Newcastle United team have performed this campaign. The Magpies have shocked the top flight this season with their quick, compact and pressing style, much akin to the first incarnation of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

However, their streetwise style has drawn comparisons to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid from some quarters, with gamesmanship said to be a part of the Magpies’ armory as they battle to upset the top order. Brentford boss Frank, following Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over his side, was the latest manager to throw shade on Howe and his players, claiming “dark arts” were at play at the Gtech Community Stadium. United’s boss Howe, though, is not interested in any of that kind of chatter, claiming his side just do what is required to win.

He said: “I don’t even know what the dark arts are. If someone could explain that to me that would be great. “I’ve said many times we just do what we can to try and win, but always within the rules of the games.” Does this type of criticism bother Howe? He admits that it is irrelevant, as long as it does not get under the skin of referees.

He added: “It shouldn’t have an impact on referees. They should just referee the game as they see it. As I say, someone has to sit down and explain the dark arts.

“Erik made his comments quite clear about time wasting but we don’t want that in any game. We want to try and impose ourselves, have a quick game and have the ball in play. “I understand the statistic that our ball is in play the least