Eddie Howe says Newcastle United are going through "a phase" in their season which is seeing them perform solidly without getting the rewards they got earlier in the campaign.
Before the World Cup, Newcastle were flying and found themselves in second place in the table on Boxing Day. But the Magpies have now slipped to fifth place in the table.
Howe said after the 2-0 defeat to City: "We had chances but it weren't as clinical as them. It's just one of those things, I think we're going through a phase where that's happening to us.
READ MORE: Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle United: Missed chances and Pep Guardiola tactical switch cost Magpies
"I think our general performance we have to be very positive about, we have to acknowledge that there's improvements to make, but compared to last year we're getting closer. We have to be positive about that."
Howe made it clear he would not park the bus at City and was good to his word. He said: "We're trying to be the team we want to be in every game. We haven't tried to change our approach because I don't think you learn from it and the scoreline probably becomes a heavier defeat.
"We want to be aggressive and progressive. Now there are still areas for us to improve in but I think our performance here today is really positive."
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