'It was' - Eddie Howe makes honest Liverpool claim after Newcastle United defeat

Eddie Howe has reflected on Newcastle United's 4-2 defeat at Liverpool on New Year's Day.

The Magpies faced a staggering 34 shots as a Mohamed Salah brace, plus second-half strikes from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo inflicted a third successive Premier League defeat on their visitors.

Salah, who saw a first-half penalty saved by Martin Dubravka, broke the deadlock in the 49th minute before Alexander Isak equalised against the run of play.

The joy, however, was short-lived as Jones and substitute Gakpo extended the Reds' lead to 3-1.

Sven Botman's header threatened a surprise comeback from United, however, Salah's second penalty of the night put the result beyond doubt.

And speaking to the media after the game, Howe questioned referee Anthony Taylor's decision to award the spot-kick after there appeared to be little contact from Martin Dubravka on Diogo Jota.

Howe said: "I think there are two ways to look at it. The challenge on [Sean] Longstaff was a penalty and that changes the game massively and then Liverpool go up the other end and for me that wasn't a penalty. That's a very tough moment for us."

The United boss, however, did go on to praise Liverpool, whose XG of seven is the highest ever in a single Premier League match.

"It was a really good performance from Liverpool," said Howe. "They made it very difficult for us and we did very well to come in at half-time at 0-0. We were in the game right until the end. The character and commitment was of the highest level. Maybe not our best performance but a lot of effort given.

"Take away the penalty moments the goals we conceded we're disappointed with. We know we can do better in those moments.

"We were asked a lot of questions, their movement, their quality, The majority of time we came up with some really good defensive passages of play but in those moments we switched off and we're disappointed."

Newcastle take on Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday in the FA Cup third round.