Howe: ‘Positives to take’ from Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool but ‘we must do much better’

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has insisted there are positive to take from their defeat to Liverpool but admitted his side must do better in the future.

Naby Keita’s well worked first-half strike was the difference between the two sides as Liverpool moved back top of the Premier League table.

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Newcastle had started the game on the front foot but struggled to create any meaningful chances and once Jurgen Klopp’s side had taken the lead, they struggled.

Liverpool dominated the game and could have had more if it wasn’t for some smart saves from Toon keeper Martin Dubravka.

The defeat ended a good run for Howe’s side which had seen them steer clear of the relegation zone and despite admitting there were some positives to take, the Newcastle boss told his side they must improve next time out.

Howe said: “I think Liverpool were probably not at their best but we weren’t either and when you play these games you have to be. We competed well but lacked the quality that could have got us a goal.

“It is difficult to it consistently against Liverpool as they have the quality to produce a counter-attack out of nothing. We were much more aggressive in the second half but did not have any concerted pressure in the game.

A narrow defeat at St. James’ Park.#NEWLIV // #NUFC pic.twitter.com/irqPi3m3Gy

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 30, 2022

“We were not at our best today but we were still in the game right to the end, so there are positives to take. But we set our standards very high and next week we have to do much better.

“I don’t think we quite got going. I thought we made a bright start to the game but we’re slightly disappointed with our own