Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe said his side are struggling to cope with both the loss of both Callum Wilson and Dwight Gayle.
Eddie Howe said: “There is a gap there and everyone has to stand up and fill that gap. Losing Callum was a blow and Dwight Gayle. When you lose Callum we are left without a recognised striker. Today I felt we missed that focal point. It didn’t really work. The longer we went without a goal, confidence dipped. The body language and attitude was good from the players. We were not good enough in front of goal.”
The defeat was played out in front of a full house at St James’ Park but notably, they did not boo their team at the end.
Eddie Howe said: “We are devastated for the fans, a full house and atmosphere. We feel their pain and I want to repay their support and faith by winning games.”
