EDDIE HOWE felt the performance of Newcastle United’s full-backs was one of the major positives to be drawn from yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

The Magpies’ defeat at Stamford Bridge means they have now gone five Premier League matches without a victory and find themselves in the bottom half of the table ahead of a huge week that will see them face Chelsea again in the Carabao Cup before hosting Arsenal in the league next weekend.

Newcastle struggled defensively as they lost yesterday, with centre-halves Dan Burn and Fabian Schar both struggling to deal with the attacking threat posed by Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.

However, the Magpies’ full-backs fared much better, with Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento defending impressively while also offering a considerable attacking threat going forward.

Hall made a series of effective breaks down the left as he returned to Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Chelsea, and delivered the cross that resulted in Alexander Isak levelling the scores towards the end of the first half.

Livramento, who was also on Chelsea’s books as a youngster, was equally as effective on the opposite flank, and also played a major role in Isak’s goal as he drove into midfield before playing a one-two with Joelinton.

READ MORE:

Howe said: “They are two outstanding players, and it would have been a big day for them, coming back to their former club.

“I thought they did themselves proud, both in and out of possession. Our full-backs are such a big part of what we do, and how we attack. I thought they used the ball really well.

“They were given tough examinations, they were up against very good opponents. But I was really pleased with both of their performances.”

Howe was also keen to defend Schar and Burn despite their struggles at centre-half, insisting the quality of Newcastle’s defending has not been the biggest issue that has needed addressing this season.

He said: “I’d say they’ve (Schar and Burn) done outstandingly well for a long period of time, both players, in different positions. Dan has played left-back for us as well.

“I think they’ve defended fine, I don’t think that’s been our issue this season. We conceded two goals (at Chelsea), and we’re disappointed with that, but I think the disappointment for us has generally been the other way.

“In possession, we’ve been uncharacteristically off. But of course we’ll always look at how we play, and the balance of our team, and try to make those decisions to win us games.”