Eddie Howe admitted his Newcastle United side ran out of steam as they exited the FA Cup at the fifth round stage following a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at St James' Park.
The Magpies made a brilliant start, going ahead through Harvey Barnes, but City would level the match up before half-time as Jeremy Doku teed up Savinho to score.
Omar Marmoush then took the game away from Newcastle with a second-half brace, with the Egyptian now netting seven goals against Howe's men, half of his overall goal tally since joining City in January 2025.
Howe commended the start made by his players, but conceded that City took the game away from his side in the second half with consistent periods of possession.
"Good start from us, really good for half an hour," he told TNT Sports.
"There's probably two things that happened. We couldn't sustain our start in terms of energy but they also played really well. We just have to accept that.
"I felt we maybe ran out of gas, certainly in the second half but also towards the end of the first half. You have to say they were a very good side.
"We needed the ball to try and generate pressure but we couldn't get enough of it."
Following their latest defeat to City, Newcastle have now lost four games in all competitions against the same opponent in a single season for the first time.
Their next match is at home to Barcelona in the Champions League, and Howe is aware that he will need all of their support ahead of a huge encounter on the European stage.
"The crowd were magnificent today," Howe added.
"They didn't have a lot to shout about after that initial period but they stayed with us and were cheering at the end.
"We will need them for the Champions League."
fanaceiop
1
Newcastle had spent most of all their energy in defeating United a few days ago with ten men. City took advantage of that and I am sure Newcastle will suffer the same against Barcelona in a few days time.
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
1
And United can't even beat this shit Newcastle with extra man
Rezbcekr
0
useless Newcastle en their coach
rafaeljoel
0
But I remember him saying he's going to carry the same confidence to city what happened
ksantos
2
I guess not every Manchester is defeatable
Honabeiklr
1
this is not a team like Manchester United where you play against kindergarten players who don't really know if they're footballers or day care student.
GopsAmeshu
1
if they concede 3 goals against city. I see no chance against Barclona with Yamal, Pedri,Raphinha running at you, and Joan guarding the goal.