Newcastle United are slowly but surely rattling each and every member of the so-called 'Big Six' as they continue to upset the Premier League apple cart. The Magpies took another point from one of the top-flight elite on Tuesday as they held Arsenal to a feisty 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta and fans in the red half of north London couldn't help but fume after the stalemate, criticising Newcastle for apparently setting up for a draw. The Gunners boss constantly bemoaned what he believed was time-wasting as the visitors perfectly nullified an attack that has seldom been stopped this term.
Not only have Newcastle taken nine points off the six biggest teams in the league this term - they are managing these big games to perfection - and riling their opposition in the process.
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It has been the same story all season. As well as Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea also took offence at how Eddie Howe's side set up and eventually ended clashes at both Anfield and St James' Park respectively this season.
Jurgen Klopp's comments are well documented after he too lost his rag when Howe's team rolled into town. "When we scored after 90-plus-eight minutes, it's the perfect response to that, to be honest. I'm really happy about that, but nothing else to say," the Liverpool manager boasted after a fiery end to the Merseyside clash.
The late Liverpool defeat is the only time Newcastle have suffered defeat this term. The mighty Liverpool are the only Premier League side to beat this resilient, gusty bunch - and they needed a devastatingly late winner to do the job.
When Chelsea visited Tyneside before the World Cup break, it was a similarly tense and nervy affair. Newcastle, who weren't at their best that day, had to grind out a narrow 1-0 win after surviving late pressure from the west London outfit.
The game ended with tussles and shoves breaking out as Chelsea took offence at how Newcastle show to see out the tie on a cold Saturday evening in the north east. Dan Burn, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff were all front and centre as the frustration of the away side boiled over.
Newcastle are showing this new, nasty, ruthless side that was previously missing from this collective. Not only are they hammering the lesser sides both at home and away, they are learning how to perfectly navigate tight showdowns with the league's best - and almost always coming away with something to show from it.
2023 will be difficult and Howe will demand more of the same. But there is now a target on his side's back after their performances in the first half of the campaign. Teams will fear Newcastle but will also be out to test their mettle and their nerve in the big games.
The pressure seems to be getting to some of Newcastle's European rivals. However, for now, Howe's squad are finding the right balance and dealing with the pressures of mixing it with the best sides in the division.
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