Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe has refused to hit back at Mauricio Pochettino after the Chelsea boss’ comments regarding Saturday’s 4-1 loss away to the Magpies.

Pochettino had criticised his Chelsea stars for not doing enough to give the home team a fight, and making it too easy for them.

The Argentine said after the game: “Newcastle were not great but got an easy win. We had to show it was difficult for them. But it was so easy the way we conceded and were so soft in every single challenge.”

Howe has now reacted to the claim by Pochettino by insisting that his side were themselves, and they gave the game their all regardless of contrary opinions.

“Biggest compliment I can give the players is we were ourselves today,” he told the media.

“The difficulty is when you have as many injuries as we have, you can become disjointed and lose your identity.

“You saw a Newcastle performance today, both in and out of possession, that the players deserve huge credit for.”

Chelsea are up against Brighton next, and must find a way to return to winning ways, and keep their top four hopes alive.