'We were off in almost every phase'

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe talking to BBC Match of the Day after today's game: "We were not at our best today, there is no doubt about it. Technically and physically we were not the team we've been in recent weeks and they played very, very well and made it a very difficult for us so full credit to them.

"I don't want to make excuses but I just felt there was fatigue in our performance today. We didn't start well and never played with the intensity we normally do and we were off in almost every phase. I'll put it down to physically right now but with a thorough analysis we'll see if I feel the same way.

"We made a big tactical switch at half time and throughout to try and invigorate us but it never happened. We have to respond and quickly. The big thing for us is we have a week in between so hopefully a change to recharge our batteries and then attack the game."