How Newcastle's 'bullies' became too nice

How Newcastle's 'bullies' became too niceImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Only the bottom four have lost more league games than Newcastle United (15) this seasonByCiaran KellyNewcastle United reporterPublished5 minutes ago2 Comments"They haven't played against any team like this."This was not the Newcastle United that a frustrated Mikel Arteta was used to facing at Emirates Stadium, as the Arsenal manager reflected on a goalless draw in January 2023.Newcastle have had far more memorable results under Eddie Howe against the Premier League title challengers.But this particular stalemate was viewed as a significant step forward internally, after dogged Newcastle refused to roll over, as they had previously, in north London.It was a night where Newcastle ruffled one or two feathers.Such was the visitors' determination to get a result, unused substitute Jamaal Lascelles was booked for obstructing an Arsenal throw-in late on, while the usually measured Howe confronted Arteta on the touchline after growing tired of the Spaniard's incessant complaints to the fourth official.Just a few days later, the Newcastle head coach declared: "We're not here to be popular and get other teams to like us - we're here to compete."However, his side have lost that edge as they prepare to return to the same ground on Saturday (17:30 BST).With Newcastle languishing in 14th, and his future coming under increased scrutiny, Howe accepts they have become too easy to beat.So what's going wrong?Arsenal v NewcastlePremier LeagueSaturday, 25 April at 17:30 BSTListen on SoundsListen to full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. Howe 'looks forward' to talks with Newcastle ownersPublished21 hours agoHowe's biggest Newcastle challenge yet as questions grow on his futurePublished6 days ago'Us players need to take responsibility'It was ju...