Eddie Howe maintained that several of his players did not deserve to be on the losing side after Milan’s narrow, late, win at St James’ Park ended injury-ravaged Newcastle’s European adventure.
That 2-1 defeat came as a crushing blow on a night which had begun with Howe’s team harbouring high hopes of progressing to the last 16 of the Champions League but well aware that a draw would be sufficient to earn a Europa League place. Instead Joelinton’s first-half goal was not enough as an initially overwhelmed Milan turned the game on its head after Christian Pulisic equalised.
