Eddie Howe reveals his Newcastle United 'concern' after Arsenal hammering

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United's defensive record is a concern after his side shipped four goals away to Arsenal on Saturday night.

The Gunners led 4-0 following an own goal from Sven Botman, and strikes from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior before substitute Joe Willock added a consolation in the closing stages.

No English top-flight has conceded more goals than Newcastle's 20 in 2024. Asked about the defensive record, Howe replied: “With every game that goes by that we concede goals it is a concern. Of course we’re working on lots of things behind the scenes to try and prove that probably wasn’t evident in today’s performance.

"There was a real combination of things today, we didn’t defend set plays well enough - two goals conceded from corners when we knew their threat. And the third goal as well was a huge disappointment because at that moment we were the dominant team and right in the game. Difficult moments defensively for us.”

Howe added: "I keep saying the same thing regarding conceding goals. It's collective. Last year, we had that collective mentality that we weren't going to concede. Even the game coming here last year,we were magnificent in collective defending from the front to the back.

"I don't think we've lost the desire to do that. We're just not as competent at the moment at doing it than we were. We need to refine that solidity."

Howe's men eighth in the Premier League table but are without a win at the Emirates since 2010.