Anthony Gordon: Forward left on bench as Newcastle ‘look to future’

Howe was clearly thinking ahead to next season with his team selection after also not opting to start Kieran Trippier, who is leaving the club at the end of the season.

This was despite the former England international being the only fit recognised right-back at the club following injuries to Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento.

Lewis Hall, a left-back by trade, filled in on the opposite side as a result before Trippier came on for captain Bruno Guimaraes in injury time.

“We have got one eye on the future,” Howe added on an afternoon former midfielder Elliot Anderson cancelled out Harvey Barnes’ opener for Newcastle.

“That’s been clear with some of the decisions that I’ve made with the team because we want to see some players. We want to see how they are going to grow into the team.

“I thought Jacob Ramsey was magnificent when he came on. He really made a big difference. As did Harvey. So it was great to see players stepping up and grabbing their opportunities when they come.

“It’s our duty to try and look to the future and see what the new team is going to look like next year.”