Eddie Howe admits that Newcastle United could not overcome losing Bruno Guimaraes to suspension in their 1-1 draw against West Ham.
The Magpies have another two matches before the Brazil star returns from the sin bin after his red card against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. But Howe knows it is difficult to go into battle without the ex-Lyon man.
Speaking after being held by the London Stadium side, Howe said: "I think we missed Bruno today, but we were always going to miss Bruno because he’s so unique and slightly different.
READ MORE: Newcastle United 1-1 West Ham: Callum Wilson ends drought but Hammers dig in for a point
"But I do think our midfield players who played in his absence all played well. I don’t think it’s a criticism of them – I just think he’s irreplaceable. You’re going to miss him, and I think we missed his creative eye more than anything else."
Newcastle had at least flown into a 1-0 lead thanks to Callum Wilson but could not add to that scoreline or defend the way they have in the previous seven matches.
Howe reflected: "It was a great start for us, but we just didn’t build on that great start and that was the disappointing thing. "We allowed West Ham back into the game and probably got punished for that."
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