Howe hits back at ten Hag, assesses 2-0 win & reveals message to players after battering Man U

Eddie Howe has hit back at claims his Newcastle United love to time-waste, describing Erik ten Hag's recent comments as complete "nonsense."

The Dutchman called us "annoying" prior to the cup final and was at it again a few days ago, asking the officials to watch out for our antics ahead of their trip to St James' Park.

In the end, it was his side who tried to slow down the game, with David De Gea taking an age from goal kicks in an attempt to break up a match we dominated from start to finish.

Asked about our style of play and previous comments about time-wasting, Howe had this to say after our 2-0 win:

"I don't get where this time-wasting nonsense has come from. We want the ball in play, and back in quickly. I always stand up for my team and what I believe is right."

Speaking to Sky Sports, the boss then went on to discuss our performance - which he believes was one of our best this season -the result, our top-four hopes and a crucial spell of fixtures; urging his players to build on this win with another at West Ham on Wednesday: