Eddie Howe identifies real reason Newcastle lost to Liverpool and what must improve against Man City

Eddie Howe handed his players two days off to recuperate over the bank holiday weekend but the hard work will resume at Benton this week.

Newcastle are in a solid enough position in the Premier League but are not mathematically assured of their top-flight place next season. As things stand Burnley, Leeds and Everton could still overtake them but they would need to win all of their games and a total collapse from United would have to unfold.

Therefore, Howe is eager to ensure that the intensity levels don't drop in the final three games. Squad goals still include bettering last season's points tally and achieving the highest points total since promotion in 2017.

Howe stated he could not be fully satisfied with the outcome of the Liverpool game despite some positive signs. Howe said: "I'd say there's been progress. I think we've improved in a lot of aspects of our play, but I think it shows also there's a gap that we have to bridge to the top teams. I'm not surprised by that – I don't think anyone else is. We have work to do."

Howe was looking for more from some of his talented individuals against Jurgen Klopp's side. Allan Saint-Maximin never quite found a way through against Liverpool. Bruno Guimaraes also suffered a slight dip in his recent levels and Miguel Almiron lacked spark.

Howe did not go down the road of singling out anybody but did say: "The biggest disappointment probably is individually, I don't think we really excelled.

"I thought the team was okay, we were in the game right to the end, but to win these games, you need probably six or seven performers right at their top levels and that wasn't there."

Kieran Trippier's fitness levels will be assessed this week with the England defender itching to be involved.