What Eddie Howe told Lewis Hall after 'difficult' Newcastle United call

Hall trudged off at the end of the game in what was a missed opportunity for the left-back in front of watching England boss Thomas Tuchel. The left-back watched on as 6ft 7in defender Dan Burn got the nod against the Gunners in North London.

"He plays it very differently to Lewis but I thought it was the right call for this game."

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Howe believes Newcastle moved forward despite the defeat but and felt there were some pleasing moments.

Howe said: "We feel today was a big step forward in terms of our performance. It was much better from a defensive performance.

"To lose in the way we did was disappointing. We had a few chances and that was pleasing. We were much better with the ball and we are going to be with Bruno's return. We are frustrated to lose the game and the disappointing run continues which is something we want to stop.

"Performances always give you hope if they are heading in the right direction. Our confidence and belief has been missing but I think today will have turned the corner. Easy to say but now we need to deliver."

Howe said his side still found a way to lose the game as the Magpies stay slumped in 14th place. The head coach said: "I thought we saw defensive resilience, we didn’t have the look of a team who was going to concede today. To lose in the manner we did is disappointing.

"It was out best performance for a while but we have to get out of the habit of losing games.

"We had a lot of ball (but) we’re in that moment where we’re finding ways to lose games."

When asked if Newcastle had turned the corner, Howe said: "We’re closer than we have been. Today’s a big step forward. We have to take the positives and step forward in terms of performance and hope and believe that will lead to improved results.

"The disappointing run continues and that’s something we want to stop. Performances always give you hope you’re heading in the right direction. Today I hope will be a turning of the corner for us."

Here's your chance to rate the United players after the defeat to Arsenal.

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