EDDIE Howe described his Newcastle side as “unrecognisable” during their defeat to Cherries at Vitality Stadium.

Legendary Cherries boss Howe was in the opposing dugout as Dominic Solanke’s second half brace proved the difference, Andoni Iraola’s Cherries winning 2-0.

It was Newcastle’s first defeat in domestic competition since August, a run of 10 games across two competitions.

Despite having nine players injured before the fixture and seeing Miguel Almiron limp off, Howe did not want to make excuses for what he viewed as a below par performance from his Magpies.

He explained: “It was a game where we couldn’t be where we needed to be for it and it was a tough watch. We were unrecognisable today.

“It was a real off day. There are reasons, but I don’t want to sit here and make excuses. I want to support the players.”

After the game Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier exchanged heated words with the travelling Georgie crowd, the encounter captured and posted on social media.

“Kieran is fine. Emotions run high,” Howe replied when asked about the exchange.

“We all feel a bit emotional after that from our perspective. We value all our away support, we value them greatly. We thank them for their support.”