After Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, Eddie Howe’s complaints of time-wasting have fallen on deaf ears – especially among Liverpool supporters. Howe had a taste of his own medicine, as Newcastle have been one of the worst culprits for time-wasting on goal kicks this season. On average, nobody has taken longer than Newcastle over their goal kicks, with their goalkeeper, Nick Pope, taking 36.8 seconds each time. The Magpies have also spent the least amount of time with the ball in play (52 percent) compared to any other team in the Premier League. Liverpool have spent the second-most amount of time with the ball in play (58.8 percent), and Man City lead the way in that respect with 61.8 percent ball-in-play time.
Despite Howe’s complaints, the defeat is unlikely to affect Newcastle’s final league position – they need just nine points from their final four matches to secure Champions League football. In order to avoid accusations of being a hypocrite, Howe should take a look at his own side’s tactics before criticising others. He could also have a quick Google of his Saudi owners’ regime, something he consistently says he does not know enough about.