Eddie Howe expressed that he was pleased with his team's performance, despite falling to a late defeat against reigning Premier League champions Liverpool.
In a dramatic game, Newcastle controlled proceedings, before Ryan Gravenberch struck from distance to open the scoring.
Anthony Gordon was then sent off just before half time for a rash challenge on Virgil Van Dijk, and the Magpies' misery was compounded just after the interval as Hugo Ekitike doubled the Red's advantage.
However, Newcastle were resiliant and forced their way back into the game. A header from Bruno Guimaraes brought the Toon back into it, before William Osula equalised late on to send St James' Park wild.
However, Liverpool had the last laugh, as teenager Rio Ngumoha struck a sensational late winner to steal all three points for his side.
Despite the defeat, Howe was positive after the game, as he shared his views with BBC Match of the Day.
"I think great performance form the players, both first and second half in very different ways., First half we thought we dominated the game. we were in a great place with just the goal missing.
"Second half we had a mountain to climb at 2-0 down with 10 men but I thought we controlled the game. I thought we were really good and fought our way back unbelievably well but couldn't get over the line to get a point.
"I think it's tough to play against 11 men, especially against a team with the quality of Liverpool. The first goal was key, it gave us belief, it got us back into the match and we always felt if the margin was one we'd be able to get something from the match."
With the Isak saga still rumbling on and Gordon suspended for the next few matches, William Osula may be set to start up front in Newcastle's clash with Leeds in their next game.
When asked about the forwards' equalising goal, Howe said that he was impressed with the goal, although he was disappointed with the way the game ultimately ended.
"It was a great finish from him and a big moment for us because at that moment you think could we go on and win the game. We put a lot of set plays into their box, we asked a lot of questions of them defensively but you always feel in that moment, especially with 11 minutes of injury time there's always going to be chances for both teams and unfortunately, they took two of theirs in that second half. It's a great finish from their perspective. We'd be disappointed with how we conceded that, even though we had a man less."
Absences may be costly
Beyond Gordon's red card, Newcastle may be faced with a plethora of absences after their efforts. Joelinton and Sandro Tonali were both forced off with injury midway through the second half.
Howe was cautious when asked to give an update on their availability, and he said that he'd need to wait to find out when they would return.
"I don't know with Joe and Sandro, it doesn't look good when a player comes off, especially because both looked in a little bit of pain, they'd be huge blow for us if they're not available. Anthony will be suspended and Fabian had concussion, so not good."
When asked about Gordon's red card, which only made Newcastle's task of snatching a point harder, Howe said that he "didn't think there was any intent" in the challenge.
"I've only seen it once back and it was very quick as the game was going on. I think Anthony was going in full blooded into the challenge and he's tried to pull out and slipped and his momentums taken him in. It didn't look good but I don't think there was any intent."