JAMAAL LASCELLES feels Newcastle United’s positive approach in today’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City underlines just how far they have come over the course of the last year.

Last season, the Magpies surrendered meekly as they suffered a 5-0 thrashing at the Etihad Stadium that suggested there was a huge gulf between the two clubs.

Today’s game also ended in defeat, but while Newcastle failed to score in the fixture for the second season in succession, they created a number of good opportunities that were spurned.

And, while Manchester City scored twice at the other end through Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, Newcastle made a reasonable effort of trying to control Pep Guardiola’s side.

“We made it difficult,” said Lascelles, who returned to the back four to replace Fabian Schar, who was unavailable because of the after-effects of a concussion. “On a different day, you don't know.

“We had chances, to be fair. I think we have come a long way, but to go toe to toe with them and play so high up the pitch here, there are positives to take.

“Not many teams will come here and go on the front-foot and have a high press on the halfway line. I think we did that today. A couple of times we nearly nicked it.

“It just goes to show the way the manager wants to play - on the front foot, no matter who we face. We are disappointed not to get anything.”

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Lascelles could hardly have wished for a tougher task as he made only his second league start of the season, as he was charged with the task of trying to shackle Erling Haaland.

“I enjoyed it,” said the centre-half. “He has a great record so far, but I was looking forward to playing against him.”

The Magpies skipper admits he has had to endure a frustrating few months as he has found himself locked out of Eddie Howe’s starting side.

The Newcastle head coach has been reluctant to break up Schar’s centre-half partnership with Sven Botman, but while he would like to have played more football this season, Lascelles insists he has been more than happy to support from the sidelines.

“I have been on the bench for a while because of how well the team has done,” he said. “They have been fantastic.

“I had to wait my turn, but I was ready when called upon. It’s a shame we didn’t get anything from the game, but there were positives to take.”