Eddie Howe opted against reading the riot act at Anfield after Newcastle United's potentially damaging 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.

Howe stated that Newcastle's general performance 'was good' - but was he convinced of that himself or was he trying to maintain confidence going into a crucial period? Either way, this showing was night and day compared to say Arsenal away in the first leg of the Carabao Cup on a night when Newcastle showed they CAN mix it with the best.

Unlike the icy Press conference at the Etihad Stadium just two weeks ago, when Howe pulled no punches, the head coach offered a layer of protection to his players, knowing that this is not the time to start firing into people so close to the Carabao Cup final. Eroding what looks like frail confidence would be a major own goal with........

© Chronicle Live Sport