'We're getting closer' - Eddie Howe determined to stick with Newcastle principles despite shaky form

Eddie Howe says Newcastle United are going through "a phase" in their season which is seeing them perform solidly without getting the rewards they got earlier in the campaign.

Before the World Cup, Newcastle were flying and found themselves in second place in the table on Boxing Day. But the Magpies have now slipped to fifth place in the table.

Howe said after the 2-0 defeat to City: "We had chances but it weren't as clinical as them. It's just one of those things, I think we're going through a phase where that's happening to us.