Interesting to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United losing 1-0 against Arsenal.

The comments from neutrals especially telling…

A lot of it different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.

The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.

Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media-inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.

On this occasion the politics entirely absent, just a few of them enjoying the fact Newcastle United lost a match…

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, Arsenal fans and the odd Newcastle supporter also contributing:

‘Fair comment, however if you can’t splash the cash it makes no difference. We can’t splash it. so the latter part of your comment is baffling.’

‘Eddie Howe> Arteta. Man management. Style. And true class of a man. Arteta should take some notes.’

‘I am a Palace fan and and I am still on cloud 9 after they beat City. Both Newcastle (who I supported in the EFL cup final) and Palace started as underdogs in their respective cup final games and they both won. That was good for football.’

‘Good result for Arsenal. Newcastle are so good, and getting better. Excellent goal from Declan Rice.’

‘Roll on Pickford and Everton winning.’

‘Players chasing a win get frustrated when teams defending a lead slow the game down, break up play and run down the clock. Arsenal in particular were very vocal about this after a game they lost at St James’ Park in 2023 (the one with the touchline call), they coined the phrase “Dark Arts” or at least put it in the public consciousness there.

It’s natural, it’s normal, and goes both ways.’

‘Howe well and truly shot himself in the foot! Starting with Wilson upfront was such a poor decision. Bruno as always an artist of giving the ball away with too many touches. Gordon is a waste of space.
Toon should have put the game to bed before halftime.’

‘Newcastle probably deserved a point overall because they were much the better team in the first half and Raya saved Arsenal three times. Arsenal bossed the second half though but it was a close game.’

‘Newcastle “dark arts ” didn’t help this time , instead Arsenal did it to you .’

‘A win is a win and as a Gunner utmost respect for EH and all is doing at Newcastle, a terrific team. Now, let’s see what the summer brings!’

‘(Spurs fan) Newcastle are a bunch of bottle jobs, win a pub cup and they suddenly think they’re big time.’

‘Thought both teams cancelled each other out, the only difference being a great first 20 minutes by Raya, a Gordon error and great finish by Rice……Oh! Is Havertz one of the most cowardly forwards around, leading with the elbow??’

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Rice 55

was Newcastle 48% Arsenal 52%

were Newcastle 14 Arsenal 12

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Arsenal 4

Corners were Newcastle 7 Arsenal 10

Touches in the box Newcastle 33 Arsenal 33

Newcastle team v Arsenal:

Pope, Botman (Krafth 64), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Gordon, Tonali, Bruno, Barnes (Willock 76), Wilson (Osula 64), Murphy (Miley 63)

Unused Subs:

Dubravka, Lascelles, Longstaff, Neave, Ruddy

(Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(3 Positives and 3 Negatives to take from Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Read HERE)

(Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – We lost when we should have won – Read HERE)

The remaining Newcastle United match schedule:

Sunday 25 May – Newcastle v Everton (4pm)