IT was not the first time Newcastle United have been heavily beaten this season, and Sunday’s collapse at Arsenal might not be the last. Martin Dubravka, the goalkeeper who conceded four at the Emirates, is convinced the latest reversal can spark another reaction.

When the Magpies lost at Norwich in August they bounced back by winning at Tottenham and the 5-0 drubbing at Leicester City in September was then followed by a spirited victory over Manchester United.

When Leicester won convincingly at St James’ Park on January 1, Newcastle went on an eight-match unbeaten run that came to an end at Arsenal on Sunday. Now the challenge is on for a positive result at Crystal Palace this weekend.

Dubravka said: “Hopefully, hopefully. It was always our strength, that we were solid. If the team creates some chances, we still, somehow, defended. Stick with the plan, do what you know you have to do.

“I was surprised, especially first half, we took the ball, we were trying to pass the ball to the side, open the space and create some chances. It works against the top teams.

“These four or five games are going to be crucial for us, because we’re playing against the teams close to us. Also, the reaction to defeats was good, so I hope it will be the same.”

After the trip to Selhurst Park, Newcastle face Burnley at St James’ a week later and after the FA Cup tie at West Brom there are league dates with Southampton, Sheffield United, Aston Villa, Bournemouth and West Ham United before visiting Manchester City on April 18.

That run of fixtures presents an ideal opportunity to respond in a manner to build on the seven point advantage they hold over the relegation zone. Dubravka knows, however, that Newcastle need to be more resilient than they were at Arsenal.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and we have to give some credit to Arsenal as well,” said Dubravka. “They have some quality. But in the first half, we did so, so well. After the half-time I don’t know we didn’t stick with the same style. Obviously, we wanted to create chances and score some goals, but the space was probably too much for them. They were clinical after that.”

Newcastle have made the latest change away from the first team stage in a bid to boost player development.

Chris Hogg has been named lead player development coach of the club’s under-23 side. He joins from Ipswich Town, where he was co-manager of the under-23s side.

Middlesbrough-born Hogg, 34, began his playing career at Portman Road and spent time at Boston United and Hibernian.