Analysis: Bruising defeat for Howe

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This was another damaging afternoon for Eddie Howe.

The Newcastle head coach spoke passionately before the game about how his side had to earn back the trust of supporters after a painful derby defeat by Sunderland left the Magpies languishing in the bottom half.

Howe made six changes to his starting line-up at Selhurst Park in an attempt to jolt his side as he boldly selected William Osula up front and left the majority of his summer signings on the bench, including forwards Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

The Danish forward ended up repaying the head coach's faith with a goal on his first league start since August.

But it was a case of same old story from Newcastle overall in an oddly flat display.

Howe and his staff spent much of the international break going into "analytical mode" about his side's recurring issues, having the luxury of extra training time with the players.

Yet once again this leaky side threw away three precious points in the second half.

Their failure to control games has been a constant and it is hard to see Newcastle rallying to mount a late push for Europe.

They are where they are for a reason as Howe's future comes under increased scrutiny.