Newcastle United’s cheeky pre-match tactic against Arsenal revealed as Eddie Howe ‘housery’ returns

Was this a striking coincidence, or deceptive mind games ahead of a 90-minute showdown? Footage while the Magpies are warming up before the victory over Arsenal shows a ball carefully placed on the byline between the Gallowgate End goal and the corner flag.

Unless for a striking piece of pot luck, one would imagine someone from the Newcastle cohort paid homage to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner last season. A year ago today, the Magpies sent Mikel Arteta into meltdown.

Joe Willock’s outstretched leg kept the ball in play - at least Newcastle believe - before crossing into the penalty area. Joelinton also leaped above Gabriel, before a goalmouth scramble saw Gordon tuck home from close range.

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VAR failed to intervene on Joelinton’s aerial duel or Willock’s initial cross, with insufficient evidence to suggest whether the ball had gone out. This infuriated Arsenal and Arteta, who copped an FA charge post-match for labelling English officiating as “an absolute disgrace” and “embarrassing”. 

The moment proved to be one of the most memorable from the 2023-24 campaign and fuelled the build-up this time around. When asked about the incident at his pre-game press conference, Howe said: “My thoughts were about my own team and how proud I was of them on that day. It was a really high-level game (a year ago).

“I know the goal took the headlines and the controversy, really, I understand that. But I was just really proud of the group – and I hope I have that same feeling after this game.”

The players or coaching staff were not as diplomatic given the cheeky tribute to the controversy as the teams were warming up. Whether the move was deliberate or not, it worked, as Newcastle repeated last season’s heroics with a 1-0 win.