Eddie Howe ramps up mind games ahead of Arsenal showdown and doesn’t care what people think of Newcastle
EDDIE HOWE does not care that nobody likes Newcastle as they prepare for another fiery clash with Arsenal.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta warned that the Emirates is ready for a “big one” against their rivals on Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
But Magpies chief Howe said: “We are not here to be popular and for other teams to like us. We are here to compete. We will do everything we can within the rules.
“There is a line in terms of your behaviour that you don’t want to cross. But I don’t really care what happens outside of Newcastle.
“The perception other teams have of us, it doesn’t really worry me. We are here to try and win and, ultimately, that’s all we are driven for.”
The Prem sides have a fierce rivalry following a string of heated meetings.
Arteta was dragged into a bust-up with Howe and his No 2 Jason Tindall in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in January 2023.
Then Tindall and Arteta had to be separated during Toon’s 1-0 Prem win at St James’ Park two months ago.
Newcastle angered Aston Villa and Tottenham after beating both clubs during their current six-game winning run.
Tindall — who is known as Mad Dog — infuriated Villa chief Unai Emery and was sent off for his part in a 20-man tunnel brawl at half-time of a 3-0 win on Boxing Day.
And Spurs were frustrated with the Magpies’ physicality in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat.
As his side hunt a first major domestic trophy since 1955, Howe said: “We will give everything, I can guarantee that. You have to stand up for each other.
“You don’t want to be reckless but we have to be strong and protect each other on the pitch.”
Arteta is confident the Arsenal faithful will create a better atmosphere than Toon’s St James’ Park.
He said: “I admire the Emirates, 100 per cent. The way we can fill it with our people is incredible.
“I am positive we will create a big one against a really good opposition. We are in the semi- final of the cup and want to win. Let’s go for it.”
Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has a muscular injury and joins Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the treatment room.
Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard have been battling sickness, so Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus could all start, as Arteta has no other attacking options.
He added: “We have to use players in positions they haven’t played before.”