Eddie Howe's Newcastle admission after Arsenal draw as…

Eddie Howe's Newcastle admission after Arsenal draw as Sky Sports pundits pick out one Magpies flaw

Eddie Howe will have been a little frustrated by Newcastle United's lack of quality in possession despite earning an away point at Arsenal. That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundits Les Ferdinand and Paul Merson, who otherwise praised the Magpies for frustrating the league leaders on Tuesday night.

Howe's side became the first team to pick up a point at the Emirates Stadium this season with a gritty display. Newcastle were forced to work hard out of possession for much of the contest, but limited Arsenal to just four shots on target.

Nick Pope made a fine late save to deny Eddie Nketiah what would likely have proven to be a winning goal, but the the Magpies goalkeeper was otherwise untested for much of the contest. It is a point which keeps Newcastle in third spot, although Manchester United could move above them by avoiding defeat in their game in hand.

Howe was understandably full of praise for his side following the full-time whistle, although he admitted they 'weren't great' in possession. It was a view shared in the Sky Sports studio, with former Newcastle striker Ferdinand feeling the defensive duties led to their poor 'quality' on the ball.

Ferdinand said: "We expected them to catch them on the counter, and to be honest at no stage did we feel they did that. The quality of the ball to the frontman and the wide men wasn't there. What I will say is every single one of those Newcastle players went to the well for Eddie tonight. The wingers worked back to help the full-backs, and every time Saka or Martinelli picked up the ball, there was three players on them.

"To get back there and to get back up the pitch was always going to be a tough task for them, and that's where the quality failed a little bit. Especially in the second half, it was almost like attack versus defence."

Merson shared the same view, and also believed the visitors lost possession on several occasions by not showing enough strength on the ball. However, the formerArsenal midfielder pointed to Newcastle's unbeaten run since August and praised Howe's side for earning a 'great point'.

Merson said: "I thought they did well, it was just their final pass. If they were more clinical and even being stronger, I think there was a couple of times where they were quite weak and could have held it up.

"I watched them get beat at Liverpool when they scored in the 98th minute, and since then they haven't lost. I think it's a great point, Arsenal have to learn to play against 10 behind the ball because that's the respect they've earned."

Eddie Howe's Newcastle admission after Arsenal draw as Sky Sports pundits pick out one Magpies flaw

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