Eddie Howe has praised Newcastle United’s performance despite their narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in Saturday night’s Premier League clash.
The Magpies had won three consecutive matches heading into the game, including a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in their last league outing.
However, their momentum suffered a huge blow after they were defeated by the Cityzens, who closed the gap on Arsenal at the top of the standings.
“A good effort physically. It’s been a tough run of fixtures. I want the players to empty, to give everything in the pursuit of winning. I thought we played with a good plan. The two goals we didn’t defend well enough, two errors. But I’m pleased with the effort”, Howe revealed after the match.
“The league table isn’t what we wanted it to be. In part, it’s not based on tonight. We’re heading in the right direction. That’s the most important thing because it means long-term we’re going to be fine”, the Newcastle boss added.
Manchester City had defeated Newcastle over two legs over the past month in the EFL Cup semifinal to reach the final slated for March 22 against Arsenal.
They took an early lead in the clash as Nico O’Reilly fired home after he was played through on goal by Omar Marmoush.
Newcastle hit back eight minutes later as a deflected effort from Lewis Hall went past Gianluigi Donnarumma into the net.
O’Reilly doubled his tally and put City back in front in the 27th minute, heading home after a cross from Erling Haaland.
City closed out the win and moved just two points behind Arsenal at the top of the standings.
“We’re trying to win every game, not trying to overthink games. We don’t want to lose momentum. The feeling has been strong, togetherness is strong, you see that in the second half. Overall, the players are all out, doing the best for this football club.”
Newcastle will hope to get back to winning ways when they welcome Qarabag in the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie on Tuesday night.
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