diff --git a/tests.py b/tests.py
index 1eaca1f04b27..87931d1b0792 100755
--- a/tests.py
+++ b/tests.py
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ def run(extra_args):
     if '--no-network' in sys.argv:
         from matplotlib.testing import disable_internet
         disable_internet.turn_off_internet()
-        extra_args.extend(['--eval-attr="not network"'])
+        extra_args.extend(['-a', '!network'])
         sys.argv.remove('--no-network')
 
     run(extra_args)