Eddie Howe

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has revealed his team selection and formation was forced upon him at Anfield during the 4-1 defeat against Liverpool.

Howe said he had no chance of starting Lewis Miley and Sven Botman due to injury concerns. Howe started the game with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga and tried to hurt Liverpool with pace but could not keep up the tempo.

Howe, speaking at his post-game Press conference, said after the game: "We wanted to go for real pace. That was the idea behind selection.

"Anthony played really well. I think it helped the team We gave them problems. The team selection and formation was forced upon on us."

When asked why Miley and Botman did not play, Howe said: "Sven had a tight thigh and we were under the advice not to use them. With Lewis he could not bend his knee to declare himself fit."

"The thing that's cost us today is the manner of the goals we've conceded. We wouldn't normally, by our very high standards, concede those types of goals."

Speaking about Newcastle's poor away form, with just...