Eddie Howe defends 'first class' Newcastle United man & gives Lewis Hall update after Everton draw

Eddie Howe revealed his frustration as Newcastle United were held to a 1-1 draw against Everton at St James' Park.

Alexander Isak put the Magpies in front 15 minutes in when he latched onto Harvey Barnes' through ball before cutting inside and firing the ball into the bottom right corner.

Isak then saw an effort to make it 2-0 cleared off the by Vitaliy Mykolenko. The Swede also thought he had registered an assist when his cross was tapped home by Dan Burn but following a VAR check, the strike was disallowed for offside.

Everton stayed in the game and grabbed an 88th minute equaliser when Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the penalty spot. It came after substitute Paul Dummett brought Ashley Young down in the area.

Reflecting on the draw, Howe said: "Definitely frustrated. I felt we needed that second goal and it looked like we got it on a couple of occasions. Of course, the VAR one was really, really tight and then Alex's chance looked a big moment in the game.

"At 1-0, Everton were never out of it. They've hit the post themselves and of course the penalty is probably the big moment."

Dummett was brought on in the 79th minute for Hall and Howe refused to criticise the long-serving Magpies defender.

He said: "I think when you look at it back, which I have very quickly, I think both players are grappling each other initially but I think the height of Paul's arm around Ashley's neck that swings it against us. If the boot is on the other foot I'm probably wanting that penalty.

"It's always difficult when you come on late in games, especially when you're winning. Being a defender myself they're always difficult moments because you want to keep your concentration and help the team.

"Paul's been first class since I've been here, he's a really genuine, honest lad. It's one of those moments that has gone against us but I can't fault the players. Genuinely, I thought we were really committed to give a really good performance for the majority of the game."

Howe confirmed Hall's withdrawal was down to fatigue, rather than injury after the on-loan Chelsea left-back appeared to be struggling, particularly in the first-half.