Eddie Howe reacts to narrow Newcastle United loss at Man City - & taxing schedule

Newcastle United just fell short at the Etihad, as Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners.

The Magpies went 1-0 down as Nico O’Reilly netted before Lewis Hall equalised deservedly. Then O’Reilly scored with his head and despite sustained Magpies’ pressure the home side hung on for all three points at the Etihad.

It was some shift from United, who were just back from Baku in midweek, but ultimately proved fruitless.

Here’s what head coach Eddie Howe had to say about the narrow defeat on the road.

Eddie Howe reacts to Man City v Newcastle United

Howe said: "Considering everything we have put into the last few weeks, that was a good performance. Wasn't good enough but we went toe to toe with them.

“We were equals in the game, we were well in it. Didn't defend the two goals well enough, that's the disappointment really.

"Belief was there right until the end, that [Harvey] Barnes shot at the end which was a good save. You never quite know how the game will pan out but it is important that you start well and the last few times we have come here, we have conceded early."

Eddie Howe disappointed with two goals conceded by NUFC v Man City

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe speaking to TNT Sports: "We're disappointed with the two goals we conceded. We chased the game well in the second half and we were in it right until the end with Harvey [Barnes'] shot right until the end. We were chasing the game against a very good team. We did that to a man excellently all game.

"The end product, the last cross, the last finish was not quite there. There were several occasions where we should have done better.

"We've returned to a good way of playing, our way of playing. We have done that over the last four games and as long as we get that consistently I'll be happy."