Eddie Howe sees ‘positive signs’ from Newcastle United - but he still wants more from his side

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes his side have shown ‘positive signs’ despite not being entirely happy with their points return to so far this season.

The Magpies boss has consistently spoken about the evolution of his side and the style of play he wants them to play since he succeeded Steve Bruce last year.

There was an upturn in form after Christmas, as Howe’s methods and a positive performance in the summer transfer window produced a run of form that saw United race away from the relegation and into the safety of a mid-table position.

Promising performances against Premier League title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City have given a clear indication Howe is starting to find an identity for his side - and the Magpies boss is happy with the progression shown during the opening month of the season.

Speaking after Saturday’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, he said: “I’d say we’ve played a lot better personally than we did in the spell towards the end of last season. If you look back at those games we were without the ball for huge period and we were very good defensively.

“I’d say our overall performance levels have dramatically increased but with that becomes different challenges because then you’re facing teams that defend a little bit deeper and you have more ball so you’ve got to try and break them down rather than playing on transitions.

He continued: “We were playing a lot on counter-attacks at certain times during that good run at the end of last season. I think your strength then becomes different and you have to find answers to those problems.

“Today, I thought we found the answers and created chances but we just didn’t take them. That’s why I think there are positive signs because it wasn’t like we were lacking in creativity and ability to open them up. I felt that was there.”

Despite Howe’s satisfaction with the improvement shown since last season, the United boss admitted he was not happy with his side’s points return.

Ahead of Sunday’s visit to West Ham United, the Magpies have taken seven points from their opening six games of the season and are without a league win since the opening day victory against newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

The controversial defeat at Liverpool remains their only loss of the season so far, with Howe’s side becoming draw specialists after taking points from games against Brighton, Manchester City, Wolves and Palace.

The aim for the weeks ahead is simple, according to Howe.

“I want more points, I want to win every game,” he explained.

“I thought we were possibly slightly fortunate to get a point against Brighton, but I thought at Wolves we were the more dominant team and I thought today we were the more dominant team too.

“There’s always swings and roundabouts, it never always goes for you, but I thought we should have got something from Liverpool.

“There’s more points we’ve left out there, but it’s up to us to improve those slight margins.”