Newcastle United notes: Klopp's Joelinton namecheck, quiet progress and Howe's post-match mood

Newcastle United's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool meant that their excellent home run in 2022 came to an end on Saturday lunchtime. But as far as the bigger picture is concerned - nothing has really changed.

The reality is that this defeat could have sparked some major anxiety at one stage but the hard work of Eddie Howe and his staff means it won't push them towards relegation. There is hard work to be done at the training ground and in the transfer market but most people knew that before the clash with Liverpool.

And Howe has been consistent with his mood. Even after a good win at Norwich last week Howe did not get carried away.

Rate the Newcastle United players after spirited Liverpool defeat

After the Liverpool game he said: "We know there's a lot of work to do, but I d think we have, from where we were, improved a lot, so I don't think anyone would have had a different view before the game. "Certainly, after the game, my opinion is the same.

"But I do know the players gave everything on a hot day today to try to get something from the match and as I say, were in it until the last kick."

The Magpies were beaten heavily the last time they faced one of the big boys at St James' Park in Manchester City who turned up and pulled off a 4-0 victory last December. This time the visit of Liverpool was different.

The Reds may have dominated possession and created 24 attempts at goal. But Newcastle were always in the game and Liverpool had to wait patiently for the final whistle on a day when they had been pushed hard.

True, United barely created a clear-cut chance of note but on the break, after absorbing pressure, it would have only taken a moment of quality or even luck to force something.

The game-defining moment from a