Eddie Howe reacts to Kieran Trippier's errors in Newcastle United's 3-0 defeat to Everton

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe defended Kieran Trippier after the right-back was directly at fault for two goals in the defeat to Everton.

The Magpies lost 3-0 at Goodison Park with Trippier losing possession in the build-up to Dwight McNeil and Abdoulaye Doucoure's goals. He then played Beto onside as the forward added a third in stoppage time.

Asked about Trippier, Howe replied: "Kieran's been absolutely magnificent since he signed for the football club. He's been incredible and the catalyst for a lot of what has happened with our success.

"Collectively we weren't there tonight, it wasn't anything to do with individual performances."

Newcastle came into the game on the back of two consecutive Premier League wins at home against Chelsea and Manchester United but their away days blues continued.

Howe's side have won just once on their travels in the league this season - a 8-0 win at Sheffield United in September.

"The game was there for us to win in the second half," said Howe. "I thought it was an even first half without playing particularly well.

"I felt there a lot more to come from the team in the second half and I thought we played a lot better, we had them penned in and then conceded that first goal which changed the momentum of the match.

"Frustrating evening for us. A missed opportunity."