Newcastle United were held to a frustrating draw against Everton with Anthony Gordon seeing a penalty saved at the home of his former club.
After naming eight changes for the 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, Howe reverted back to the same starting XI that held Premier League champions Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.
There was, however, two changes on the bench as goalkeepers Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy replaced the injured Martin Dubravka and young defender Alex Murphy.
Newcastle almost took the lead nine minutes in when an in-swinging corner by Kieran Trippier was hit goalwards by Bruno Guimaraes, whose shot was scrambled off the line by Iliman Ddiaye.
Not long after, Everton then had an opener ruled out for offside. Adoulaye Doucoure headed home Joe Garner’s cross before a VAR check showed the midfielder was just ahead of Dan Burn.
VAR was back involved around the half-hour mark when Sandro Tonali was pulled down in the box by James Tarkowski. Referee Craig Pawson reviewed the incident at the pitchside monitor and pointed to the spot.
Gordon stepped up against his former club but saw his penalty saw by England teammate Jordan Pickford.
The Magpies continued to push for a goal in the second-half but couldn’t make their dominance count. But Everton will feel they were worthy of their point having had penalty shout turned down when Dominic Calvert Lewin went to ground under a challenge from Dan Burn.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Goodison Park - and here are his Newcastle United player ratings:
5. Dan Burn - 8
Had a few nervy moments when the ball was on the ground but was mostly dominant in the air against a direct Everton side. | Getty Images
6. Lewis Hall - 6
Passed the ball straight to Dominic Calvert-Lewin less than two minutes in. Misplaced numerous other passes but improved offensively after the break. | Getty Images
7. Bruno Guimaraes - 8
Came close to opening the scoring but Iliman Ddiaye scrambled his effort off the line. Back to his best by showing his calmness on the ball and game intelligence. | Getty Images
8. Sandro Tonali - 7.5
Definitely looks more at home in United’s midfield. Showed some neat touches and linked up with Trippier and Murphy down the right. Tired which showed when gifted a chance to Everton moments before being replaced. | Getty Images