Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe reacts to heated exchange with Mikel Arteta

There was an appeal for handball against Jacob Murphy late in tonight’s goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium.

And United head coach Howe and Arteta, his Arsenal counterpart, were involved in a touchline exchange as the home side appealed for a spot kick.

Howe told Sky Sports: “Obviously, at that stage of the game you're thinking 'God, no, the lads have given so much', and that would have been a travesty for us. I didn't think it was a penalty, but you just never know. I'm delighted, and me and Mikel are fine.”

On the game, Howe added: “I think it was a very, very good defensive display, and great mentality from the group. You saw good teamwork, and a collective effort. I think Arsenal are very good, and pose different problems, so we knew defensively we needed to be rock solid.”