Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has reacted to his side's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, with the 47-year-old left frustrated by his side's failure to claim all three points.
The Magpies went into the showdown with Alexander Isak dominating the headlines after the Sweden international was left out of the squad.
The 25-year-old is eager to join Liverpool, with his omission raising yet more questions over his future at St James' Park.
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In his absence, Newcastle performed well enough.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has reacted to his side's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, with the 47-year-old left frustrated by his side's failure to claim all three points
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However, attacking trio Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga were all unable to find a way past Marco Bizot in the Villa goal.
To add to their frustrations, they couldn't break the hosts down following Ezri Konsa's dismissal in the 66th minute.
And Howe has now admitted he's 'disappointed' by his side's failure to claim victory, despite having positive things to say about their overall display.
“I’m happy with the point. I thought we were magnificent, front-foot, very aggressive. We had chances to score," he said.
“I think we had a bit of a lull in the game until the red card and then came on strong again. I’m disappointed we didn’t win.
“I don’t think we dominated, chance-wise, the way we wanted.
"We were maybe a little bit too anxious to score. The players really turned up and gave everything.”
Howe was then asked about his side potentially signing a striker before the transfer window shuts.
Yoane Wissa is their top target, while Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson have also been linked.
Howe added: “I can’t criticise anyone who played today.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has praised Anthony Gordon following his side's goalless draw with Aston Villa
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"I thought Anthony Gordon was very good in that position. I couldn’t fault his performance. I think we have to focus at how the team functioned rather than any individual.
“If you’re not totally together in the Premier League, you’re going to find it very difficult.
"I think we answered a few questions today in terms of our spirit. We have to do that on a regular basis, not just today.
“From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly [when it comes to Isak].
"It’s taking away the focus of the players, of the supporters. We want to be united together. We’d like a resolution, but we’re not in control of that.”
Meanwhile, both Gordon and Dan Burn have also opened up.
On playing as a false nine and in a new role, Gordon said: "I really like it.
"As my career progresses, I think I may end up more central."
And Burn has expressed his delight with Newcastle's spirited display, insisting they paid the price for a lack of 'quality in the final third'.
The England star said: "It was a good performance. There has been a lot of external noise.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants the club to resolve Alexander Isak's situation following his side's draw with Aston Villa
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"We really wanted to put in a performance and tell people we are here to stay.
"Maybe we didn't have the quality in the final third to score today but we got into good positions so we're happy.
"I'd rather be in those positions and missing than not creating those opportunities.
"We're very proud. Nobody in that changing room has achieved anything by themselves.
"We've got a really good team spirit and we work hard to maintain that."