EDDIE Howe felt two major refereeing decisions went against his Newcastle side in the 4-2 defeat at Liverpool - but admitted he was disappointed with the defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly at Anfield.

The Magpies were under the cosh for long stages, with Liverpool having 34 shots on goal, but Jurgen Klopp's side couldn't force a breakthrough until early in the second half through Mo Salah.

Alexander Isak then levelled and Howe felt Newcastle should have had a penalty at 1-1 when Sean Longstaff went down in the box under the challenge of Liverpool midfielder Endo. Liverpool quickly took advantage with Curtis Jones putting the Red back in front before Cody Gakpo added a third.

Sven Botman gave Newcastle hope but  Howe's penalty frustrations deepened when Liverpool were awarded a second spot kick late on - with Mo Salah having missed one in the first half - as Jota went down after slight contact from Martin Dubravka.

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Howe said: "I think there are two ways to look at it. The challenge on Longstaff was a penalty and that changes the game massively and then Liverpool go up the other end and for me that wasn't a penalty. That's a very tough moment for us.

"Take away the penalty moments the goals we conceded we're disappointed with. We know we can do better in those moments. We were asked a lot of questions, their movement, their quality, The majority of time we came up with some really good defensive passages of play but in those moments we switched off and we're disappointed.

"It was a really good performance from Liverpool. They made it very difficult for us and we did very well to come in at half-time at 0-0. We were in the game right until the end. The character and commitment was of the highest level. Maybe not our best performance but a lot of effort given."

Howe's problems deepened with Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson both missing the game after picking up injuries at Nottingham Forest. Wilson will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie at Sunderland and Trippier is a major doubt.

Howe said: "Kieran has a groin problem, both injuries picked up against Nottingham Forest. We're unsure how serious Kieran's is but we hope we can get him back pretty quickly, Callum will be missing the next two games."