Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has admitted Islam Slimani wasn't given the easiest first start for the club in Monday night's loss to Everton.

The Algerian striker, on loan from Leicester City, played 60 minutes at Goodison Park, but a lack of service hindered his performance.

"He's a good player and he settled in really well against Arsenal," said the central defender. "He worked hard for us at Everton and they made it hard for us to play and to give him good service. You can't point the finger at anybody because we win as a team and lose as a team.

"We didn't really get the chance to get the ball down and play or get up the pitch. Sometimes you've just got to hold your hands up and say fair play to Everton, because we gave our all."