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Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe warned his players that another performance like the one at Fulham would not be tolerated last month.

For all the talk about being linked with other clubs or Toon stars landing lucrative news deals, Howe wanted his players to get back to basics after a complete no show at Craven Cottage. Newcastle may not have won in the Premier League since but Howe has at least seen what he deems as a "reaction" from his stinging words following the 3-1 loss in the capital.

A 1-1 draw against Manchester City at St James' Park was deemed satisfactory while Howe also felt his team rediscovered their defensive steel at Goodison Park. Before signing off for the international break, he spoke of now finding that clinical touch again in front of goal, something that was missing on Merseyside.

Howe said: "I certainly think there has been a reaction, a positive one from the group. It was a much better defensive display after our last Premier League away game at Fulham so big steps forward.

"Every away game is difficult. At Everton we stood up to the physical test. I also thought technically we were much more like ourselves."

For all the talk of doom and gloom after that shocker at Fulham, Newcastle's start to the season, with 12 points collected so far, is actually the joint best since 2011/12. Back then, under Alan Pardew, the Magpies had picked up 15 points and ultimately finished fifth.

This season though Howe's team have emulated their own record from last season of a dozen points in the bag. Nevertheless, Howe is hungry for much more.

The Newcastle head coach said: "We are trying to break barriers. And have an outstanding season. It is always my aim to push the group for more. I think we are capable of more. Our work now in the international break is so important. We have some tough fixtures to come."

Newcastle sit seventh in the Premier League table going into the October international games, but a big improvement is still required to better last season's slump out of the top four. As Howe indicated at Goodison Park in his post-game briefings, it will take something truly special to better his own achievements from 2023.