Eddie Howe has admitted he's 'absolutely gutted' that Newcastle lost to Liverpool on Monday night, in a match that will live long in the memory.
The Magpies looked as though they were dead and buried when, following a red card for Anthony Gordon, they found themselves two goals down after efforts from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.
Yet Newcastle then mounted a stirring comeback to draw level, with Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula finding the net.
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Right at the death, however, Liverpool snatched victory through teenager Rio Ngumoha - with the 16-year-old scoring on his Premier League debut.
Eddie Howe has admitted he's 'absolutely gutted' that Newcastle lost to Liverpool on Monday night, in a match that will live long in the memory
|REUTERS
It was a cruel blow for Newcastle, who had performed valiantly.
They were also missing star striker Alexander Isak once again, with the Sweden international hellbent on joining Liverpool before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
Howe, speaking after the game, admitted that Newcastle have missed Isak's quality in their opening two league fixtures.
And he also revealed his disappointment at his team being forced to go home empty-handed, despite their brilliant performance on the night.
He said: "The quality of Alex, I think he would have made a difference in the two games.
"But the team has functioned well, you can’t carry anyone. It was a great performance. The first half was very us, high octane, front-foot football. The only thing missing was goals.
"The second half was really well executed by the players. I cannot fault them at all. They gave so much to the game.
"I’m absolutely gutted we have noting to take from it. We have shown our fighting spirit and put the distractions around us away. We’d just like the results to show for that."
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Eddie Howe wants 'clarity' over Alexander Isak's future following Newcastle's defeat to Liverpool
| PAPrior to the clash, Newcastle chiefs held talks with Isak at the forward's home.
And Howe admits his side are desperate for clarity over their talisman's future as the clock continues to tick down.
He continued: "The ideal from everyone is we want clarity. We want the narrative to change.
"His (Al-Ruamayyan’s) presence is much appreciated from my perspective. He is the owner, he is the most important person in terms of any decisions we make."
While it was a crushing night for Newcastle, it was another memorable evening for Liverpool.
They weren't at their brilliant best but still got the job done, with a result that could prove crucial come the end of the season in May.
And manager Arne Slot was delighted with his side's victory, with the Dutchman saying: "[I feel] relief because if you are 2-0 up against 10 men...they brought it back to 2-2 and maybe it was even deserved.
"Then they had more chances than we had. Their fans were so loud - wow! It was an amazing atmosphere.
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Rio Ngumoha broke Newcastle hearts with a late winner for Liverpool on Monday night
|PA
"To end with a goal during the best attack we had...the feeling is relief. We found a way to win."
Newcastle are next in action against Leeds United on Saturday night (5.30pm).
As for Liverpool, they're set to do battle with Arsenal on Sunday (4.30pm).