Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has backed Anthony Gordon after the player was booed off by home supporters in the 3-2 defeat to Everton after giving the ball away in the build-up to his former club’s winning goal at St James’ Park.

The Magpies boss was asked about the incident in his post-match press conference and said: “I generally wasn’t aware of that. I think in every moment like that, if that is the case, we’ve got to stay together.

“Anthony’s been brilliant for us in recent weeks. I’d certainly back him and support him.”

Howe was left frustrated by twice conceding quickly after equalising. Everton’s second goal from Beto came 105 seconds after Jacob Ramsey made it 1-1, while substitute Thierno Barry’s match-winner was a mere 74 seconds after Jacob Murphy had pegged the visitors back again.

The 48-year-old said: “It’s really hard to give an explanation for that. We’ve worked so hard to get back into the game twice.

“Everton are a tough team to score against. Having to chase the game, you expend a lot of energy doing that and we hurt ourselves with some uncharacteristic errors for both...