Newcastle United were held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa in their opening Premier League match of the 2025\/26 season at Villa Park on Saturday, despite the hosts going down to ten men in the second half.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI can\u2019t criticise anyone who played today. I thought Anthony Gordon was very good in that position. I couldn\u2019t fault his performance. I think we have to focus at how the team functioned rather than any individual.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re not totally together in the Premier League, you\u2019re 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,\" said Howe to BBC Sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
When asked to reflect on Isak individually, Howe admitted it's difficult for the players to shut out the ongoing transfer saga but urged his players to cope with the narrative.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a difficult one to answer. I hope it\u2019s resolved quickly, because it\u2019s news around us all the time. Players have managed to shut that out and perform. We have to continue to do that. We have to cope without the narrative against us,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After being held to a goalless draw at Villa, despite defender Ezri Konsa being shown a red card, Howe was adamant that his side deserved more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a difficult one to answer. I hope it\u2019s resolved quickly, because it\u2019s news around us all the time. Players have managed to shut that out and perform. We have to continue to do that. We have to cope without the narrative against us,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was a hot day. I think we struggled to keep the momentum and intensity we were playing at. The home team\u2019s always going to have a period in the game, but I thought we defended well. We were going strong at the end, trying to win,\" Howe claimed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n