Eddie Howe spoke to the media after Newcastle's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park in their first match of the season.
Howe's men could not capitalise on the red card received by Ezri Konsa, despite creating a much better degree of opportunities in comparison to their opponents.
"I thought we were magnificent"
The Magpies were, of course, without star striker Alexander Isak for the match as the Swede continues to try and force his way out of the club. That absence was felt as the visitors lacked that cutting edge, despite having a man advantage for half an hour.
Nevertheless, the Englishman stated after the match that he was pleased and thought his team deserved more over the course of the 90 minutes:
"Yes, I think we're pleased with the point, but I think the way we played, I thought we deserved more. I thought we were excellent in the first half especially. Magnificent performance, dominated most aspects of the game, we just couldn't score."
"Second half probably until the red card. Don't think that was our best period in the game and then we came strong again with 11 v 10. Can't fault the players attitudes, what they've given today. I thought we were magnificent."
"He plays it uniquely to him" - Howe praises Gordon's performance in new position
Anthony Gordon was in line for a brand new role in the frontline for the clash with Villa as Eddie Howe selected him to start centrally. The Newcastle manager said he was pleased with Anthony Gordon, who made the run forward that ended in Ezri Konsa being shown a red card
"I thought he did really well. I thought he looks a real threat. I mean, he plays it uniquely to him. He's less of a focal point and more of a drifter across the pitch. But he's got pace and he runs in behind and he's he causes teams problems in that respect and probably a better example of that, no better example of that was a sending off."
The 24-year-old, who usually operates in the wide areas of attack, was heavily involved in the match, arguably carrying the most threat out of anyone on the pitch despite not being in his natural position. He registered 7 shots alone, giving Villa a lot to think about.
"I hope it's resolved quickly" - Howe wants an end to the Isak saga
One of the big talking points of the match was, of course, always going to be the absence of Alexander Isak. The Swede has been part of a transfer saga spanning over the last few weeks - one that still remains to be resolved, with Isak himself adamant that he will not be playing for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe has expressed his desire for this to come to an end as the situation is being focused on a lot by the media, but praised his players for being able to shut out all the noise in this performance:
"I hope it's resolved quickly because it's sort of news around us all the time rather than focusing on what we need to do on the pitch and all the things that go into a performance today. The players managed to shut that out and just perform. And we've done that consistently. So, we're going to have to continue to do that and we could do without the the narrative against us, but what will be will be"
The Magpies' next match sees them take on the team that Isak is desperate to join, as they host Liverpool at St. James Park next weekend - a game that is sure to be a fiery one:
"I think it's always spicy against Liverpool. There's a history with the fixture anyway. Newcastle v Liverpool. It's been an unbelievable fixture over the years, Premier League years. So, we look forward to it. We respect them and we know how good they are. So, hopefully off the back of today we're ready for it."