Arsenal were left frustrated by Newcastle United on Tuesday evening as the two Premier League sides played out a tense 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
It was the hosts who started the brighter of the two teams, coming out of the blocks flying in the opening10n minutes, but the Magpies were able to weather the storm and keep their sixth successive clean sheet across all competitions - the first time that the Gunners were unable to score in a league match this term.
Eddie Howe's side used all the tricks in the time-wasting book to frustrate Mikel Arteta and Co, with the Spaniard constantly barking in the ear of the fourth official as the away side looked to slow down the pace of the game.
READ MORE: Arsenal concerns over Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer eased after £72m misconception is disproven
However, some Arsenal supporters pointed out the irony of Howe's tactics, considering his comments over the weekend when Newcastle's game against Leeds United also ended goalless.
Speaking on Saturday about Leeds running down the clock, the former Bournemouth boss said: "It's a sign of how far we have come that they were time-wasting and doing everything they could to take time out of the game."
Of course, Leeds and Arsenal are at opposite ends of the table and a draw was a better result for Howe than Arteta, considering the Spaniard's side currently sit top of the table, eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City, although the Citizens have a game in hand on their title rivals.
But to talk about how far the Magpies have come that teams further down the table are time-wasting against them, to then do it against a side just two places above them in the table, does look like double standards.
Next up for the defending champions is a trip to west London, where they will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening.
READ NEXT:
Stan Kroenke reaches £70m Arsenal agreement amid fresh Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer bid
Gabriel breaks silence on Newcastle penalty shout as Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal transfer promise
Every word Mikel Arteta said on referee, penalties, Arsenal transfers and Eddie Howe exchange
Gary Neville disagrees with Mikel Arteta on 'scandalous' penalty decisions in Arsenal draw
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
