Eddie Howe names the two players Newcastle United missed most vs Man City

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Newcastle United were thoroughly outclassed by Manchester City on Saturday.

In fact, Newcastle United made the Premier League champions look back to their very best, such was the gulf in class between the two sides.

Losing to Pep Guardiola’s side is by no means a disaster. Still, the passive nature of Newcastle’s performance was so disappointing, as Eddie Howe’s side failed to even try and exploit many of the obvious failings the hosts have shown this season.

City thumped Newcastle 4-0 on another miserable day for the travelling Toon support at the Etihad Stadium.

It was a reminder that this team still have a long way to go, with the likes of Lewis Hall enduring a difficult day against City. In fact, it was tough afternoon for both full-backs, with Kieran Trippier blasted for his performance by Newcastle fans.

Speaking after the game, Howe lamented the absence of two key players.

• READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More

Eddie Howe namechecks two Newcastle United players after defeat to Man City

The Newcastle United manager talked of how much his side missed Joelinton and Sven Botman on the day.

Though it’s difficult to suggest Newcastle would have won with the duo, they surely cannot have harmed their chances.

Still, injuries are part of the game and Howe’s side had more than enough talent to make a better fist of it…

“I thought today we missed Joelinton’s duel winning ability,” he said.

“We missed Sven Botman’s physical presence. All these things matter.”

When are Joelinton and Sven Botman back from injury?

If that is what Newcastle are like against big name opposition without two of their perhaps more physical players, then Howe should be worried.

Any team in world football misses their better players but the fact they were both out does not fully excuse the rest of the team for their performance.

Luckily, Joelinton is expected to return before the Carabao Cup final, while Botman has avoided a serious injury.

At this stage, however, it seems unlikely the two will feature against Nottingham Forest next time out. Newcastle need to find a way to respond without them.