Journalist points out what was missing for Newcastle United on Sunday as Jason Tindall served his touchline ban - subtlety

Newcastle United reopened the 2022/23 season playbook on Sunday, employing the 'dark arts' that upset many people in the football world in that season.

The Magpies picked up a reputation for using the 'dark arts' of football to waste time, and while pundits and other managers chastised Newcastle for it, it wasn't long before other teams started to use the same tactic.

A particular favourite of Newcastle's was to have our goalkeeper go down 'injured' so Eddie Howe could address the team on the touchline.

It was infuriating for the opposition, no doubt, but it was perfectly within the rules of the game. It was the ideal ploy as goalkeepers don't have to leave the field if they've received treatment.

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Eddie Howe lacks the subtlety of Jason Tindall when it comes to communicating the 'dark arts' to his players

Eddie Howe rolled back the years on Sunday as his side struggled to break down a resilient Brighton side as he told Pope to go down, however, The Athletic's Chris Waugh on the Pod on the Tyne podcast, pointed out the difference between Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall who was confined to the stands after picking up his third yellow card of the season.

“I think his [Jason Tindall] presence was missed to a certain degree on the touchline.

“Graeme Jones was getting up and every now and then would have a word with the fourth official.

“Eddie Howe was having a word with the fourth official more often than normal.

“There was a moment in the second half where, I think it’s after the second penalty is overturned, where Eddie Howe immediately and quite obviously gestures to Nick Pope three times that he needs to basically go down injured and then he does go down injured.

“Newcastle have done this before, but usually there is a slight more subtlety to it, and I think Jason Tindall brings that.”

Jason Tindall is back on the touchline on Sunday at St James' Park

Jason Tindall will be back on the touchline on Sunday at St James' Park and no doubt he'll be up to his usual tricks of winding up the opposition bench and bending the fourth official's ear, allowing Eddie Howe to concentrate on the game.

With a bit of luck, we'll not need the 'dark arts' as we'll be in control of the game against Chelsea from the off with the home crowd spurring the lads on.

However, I'm sure we'll take advantage of our box of tricks should we need to.