Before visiting the Emirates Stadium, Eddie Howe says that Newcastle United cannot afford to adopt a defensive mindset.
The Magpies had previously travelled to North London with a pessimistic attitude and attracted pressure by parking the bus. Howe, though, is not content to wait around and let things happen this time.
Speaking ahead of the journey to Arsenal, Howe was asked about tactics and said: “There’s certain times in games where you might need that mindset within the game. I think as a starting point, how do you grow if that is your consistent way of approaching games?
“I am not sure you can. We have tended not to go down that route, we want the players to believe they can win every game.
“In order to do that you have to prepare as if you can win every game. So we try to be consistent.”
Despite all of that, Howe suggested that Newcastle might occasionally adjust their strategy during a game.
He said: “Within the game, there might be moments where you have to batten down the hatches and see the game out or whatever the game requires. In our preparation we certainly won’t be giving those messages.”
