Eddie Howe says two ‘outstanding’ Newcastle United players did themselves ‘proud’ against Chelsea

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Eddie Howe is keen to take the positives from Newcastle United’s defeat to Chelsea.

The Magpies lost again on Sunday, as Eddie Howe‘s side dropped to 12th in the Premier League. Newcastle United were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea, and are now without a league win in five games.

It was another frustrating afternoon for the men in black and white, with Alexander Isak selfishly wasting Newcastle’s big chance to equalise at Stamford Bridge.

But there were things to celebrate about Newcastle’s trip to West London. Despite his major miss, it was good to see Alexander Isak get back on the scoresheet after his drought.

Elsewhere, Eddie Howe was very happy with how his two fullbacks performed against Chelsea.

Eddie Howe delighted with Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall started at right-back and left-back on Sunday, as they returned to Stamford Bridge.

They both played well, and Howe has told the Northern Echo that they should be proud of their performances against their former club.

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

“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.”

Newcastle’s former Chelsea players combined brilliantly

Livramento and Hall’s biggest contribution came when Newcastle made it 1-1 through Isak.

The goal started with Livramento driving inside and launching a counterattack, and it ended with Hall delivering a perfect cross for Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

Their roles in the goal were pivotal, and Howe will hope they can do that more often. It was the first assist of Hall’s Newcastle career, as he continues to grow as a performer.

Hall and Livramento faced two Newcastle transfer targets

Both Hall and Livramento faced tricky opponents on Sunday, as they took on two players who Newcastle United tried to sign over the summer.

Newcastle were linked with Pedro Neto, who went toe-to-toe with Livramento. On the other flank, Newcastle target Noni Madueke was up against Hall.

Both wingers showed why Newcastle were interested in the summer, as Eddie Howe continues to bemoan a lack of quality in wide areas.

But the Newcastle fullbacks defended well, and the battle between Livramento and Neto really was enthralling.

Sadly for Livramento, Neto will argue that he won the battle, having got in behind the Newcastle right-back to provide the assist for Nicolas Jackson in the first half.

One thing is for sure, Kieran Trippier really would have struggled to handle Neto’s speed, as he continues his injury layoff with a hamstring problem.