Eddie Howe explains controversial Newcastle decision after 'hugely frustrating' Tottenham draw

Guimaraes eventually came off the bench to score the opening goal of the game, with Spurs levelling through Cristian Romero.

Anthony Gordon looked to have scored the winner via the penalty spot with four minutes remaining, only for Romero to score another equaliser to earn a draw.

Howe, speaking after the fixture, was asked about his decision to leave Guimaraes on the bench.

"Rotational reasons, we've got such a busy schedule ahead, we want him at his physical best," he replied.

"It was a chance to rotate midfield slightly without unbalancing it. The first half performance was strong."

Howe also then vented his frustrations, admitting that he was unhappy with Newcastle's defending late on as they failed to close the game out.

"It's hugely frustrating, we worked really hard to get ourselves in that position," he said.

"We were knocking on the door, the goal finally came and then we didn't protect the lead well enough on two occasions.

"Ultimately, we haven't defended a corner well enough, not doing our jobs individually, not getting the first contact.

"I thought we were strong, the better team, created the majority of chances but weren't clinical enough. It took too long for us to score today."

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank praised Romero for his goalscoring heroics - but rued VAR's decision to award a penalty late on, which Gordon converted.

"The perfect bicycle kick, hit with the shin, aiming for that bottom corner," said the Dane, who remains under severe pressure.

"I think let's start praising Cuti. I think he deserved that for an overall top performance, defending, on the ball, coolness, calmness, duels and then getting up there and scoring two goals.

"I think the bicycle kick will most likely get a little bit more praise, but I think the header is more exceptional, the way he does that is better than many strikers.

"That said, I really liked the character and the mentality in the team, what they showed after three tough games.

"To go here, the fourth game in 10 days, the third away game, very difficult place, go down two times and come back, it shows everything about the willingness and the mentality in the team.

"Also, the second one is very disappointing to concede because for me it's never a penalty. Even speaking to someone from Newcastle, who didn't think it's a penalty.

"We need the consistency because that penalty would be given two times a game. I think the referee's call on the pitch nailed it and VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious.

"I want to speak about us, and the mentality coming back. A great point away from home, I'm happy with that.

"I think our fans, exceptional, travelling, 3,000 up here, the way they supported us throughout the game, singing, we also heard them singing and praising Vic [Guglielmo Vicario] throughout the game. That's togetherness."