EDDIE Howe insisted his Newcastle side deserved a penalty when Callum Wilson went down in the Arsenal box in the second half of their 2-0 defeat.

The officials both live and in review dismissed the incident, but Howe was adamant Wilson would not have turned down a chance to shoot on goal.

The result means that Newcastle are bottom of the table and remain winless this season, the only team in the top 4 English divisions to have not won a match.

Asked if decisions generally went against his side, Howe said: “I’d say that’s a fair assessment, but it’s just my gut feeling.

“I’m not seeking any controversy here, but the 50-50 calls tended to go against us.

“Against top clubs, away from home, that can happen.

“When Callum gets goal-side of the defender in on goal, I don’t think he’s going to go down in that situation unless he’s fouled.

“The key moment came with that one-on-one.”

Newcastle have now leaked 29 goals in 13 Premier League matches, remaining both winless and rooted to the foot of the table.

Howe still believes he can turn the situation on its head however, having just taken the St James’ Park helm.

“When you’re lacking in confidence you’ll naturally attract criticism, and we’ll have to take that and be broad-shouldered,” he said.

“But if we stay committed like we were today, then we will have a chance.

“We can only do our talking on the pitch and try to fight back.”