LAST week's display against Manchester City was what Eddie Howe would class as the true Newcastle United.

But as the head coach is happy to admit, raising your game against the champions "takes care of itself". Now, the Magpies need to build on it and are particularly in need of a stirring performance on the road.

Howe's side struggled on their travels last season, losing 11 of their 19 league games away from St James' Park and picking up twice as many points at home as they did on the road.

It goes without saying that Newcastle need to right those wrongs if they're to qualify for Europe and while the draw at Bournemouth and win at Wolves were decent enough results, the below-par showing at Fulham last time United hit the road was worrying.

Howe wants a reaction from his players when they face Everton at Goodison Park - and admits tonight's showing could be more informative than the performance delivered against City last weekend.

"I take the point, because Manchester City takes care of itself," said Howe.

"The players will be elevated because of the opponent. You still have to perform in the manner we did, and that’s not a given. I give the players credit for last week. But this is another test where we have to respond in the right way."

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As simple is as it might sound, is there a case of Newcastle's players - for whatever reason - just being better at home than they are away?

“You could make that accusation," said Howe.

"I don’t know if that is an accusation or an opinion. We have to accept what we deliver and you could quite fairly throw that at me.

"It is up to the players to respond to that. Certainly, from my side, there is no difference to how we prepare for the game and how we try to get the team to play. It’s about giving the players the environment to play well and the opportunity to play well.

"I’d like to think that is there and then it is down to the players to deliver the performances we know they are capable of.

“If you go back, historically, our away from was very good in our Champions League (2022/23) season. We were very consistent.

"There were a couple of off games, but that will happen over the course of a season. Last year this came to the fore but who knows this season, so far we have won one, drawn one and lost one. So, it’s in our hands to change the narrative."

Howe added: "We want to be the same team home and away. No part of us wants to send a team out and recognise we are playing away from home.

"We want to see the same energy, the same determination to take the game by the scruff of the neck and dictate play. If you look at the top teams, that’s what they done.

"Take Manchester City. They don’t change, and that’s a compliment. They grab the game, they’re in control of the game. You wouldn’t know whether they’re playing home or away. That’s target for us to try and hit.

"For whatever reason, we’ve been inconsistent. It doesn’t mean it’s all bad. There has been some good in there, but we need to find that consistency."