EDDIE HOWE has revealed that Sean Longstaff was omitted from today’s starting line-up at Aston Villa because a bout of tonsilitis meant he was unable to train this week.

With Longstaff left out of the side, and replaced by Anthony Gordon, the Magpies crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season as they were beaten 3-0 at Villa Park.

Bruno Guimaraes was forced to play in a deeper-lying role with Longstaff on the bench, and by the time the midfielder was introduced from the substitutes’ bench in the 67th minute, Newcastle were already two goals down and effectively out of the game.

Howe said: “Sean had a bout of tonsilitis in the week, so he didn’t train. We felt he wasn’t fit to start the game.

“I don’t think his absence necessarily affects where Bruno is playing on the pitch, but we maybe missed Sean’s tenacity and his legs and energy.

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“His endurance levels are at the very highest level, and we didn’t look right in midfield today. But I would say that in every area of the pitch, we didn’t loo quite right. I’m not sure that’s just down to one player.”

Howe admitted that Newcastle deserved to finish with nothing as they were swept aside by a Villa side who have been transformed under Unai Emery, and who are now just six points behind the Magpies.

He said: “I think it was probably our worst performance. We weren’t great today, and that’s hugely disappointing in such a big fixture. The lads have been so consistent throughout the season. These things can happen. We now just need to focus on our response to today.

“It was unlike us in every aspect really. I thought we were wasteful with the ball, and definitely unlike ourselves out of possession. We weren’t as solid, tight and reliable as we have been. There’s a lot to analyse from my perspective.”