It was the third time away from home that Newcastle had drawn 0-0.
Howe said: "Naturally we will be a different team without Alex, we will be attacking with a different emphasis.
"It's not good. You want to create chances and clear-cut chances.
"It didn't feel that in our performance. We are going through one of those phases where it's hard to score away from home.
"We're evolving and changing as an attacking force. Our ability to defend has been at a high level and we will score goals."
Howe added, "A tough game and here it always is. They play a style of football which is difficult to play against.
"We limited them to long shots and Nick (Pope) had a couple of saves I'd expect him to make.
"Three 0-0s away from home are strange given our attacking play."