Eddie Howe reacts to mocking chant from Arsenal fans after Newcastle United defeat

Howe’s side were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon, and the defeat left the club 20th in the Premier League – and five points adrift of safety.

United’s new head coach, in his post-match press conference, was asked about a derogatory chant from Arsenal fans contrasting the wealth of the club’s new owners – and the standard of the team.

Asked if the club was destined for relegation, Howe said: “I don’t agree with that – we’ve got some very good players here.

"They’re lacking in confidence at the moment, naturally, through not winning a game this season. We’ll naturally attract criticism. We have to take that. We have to have broad shoulders. I thought we were very good in the last third of the game, then we can only do our talking on the pitch and try and fight back.”

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