Howe said: "It summed up our season. We weren't totally secure at the back, but great credit to the players. They've done their job - now we wait and see.
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"We anticipated after losing against Manchester United that our control of the (European) situation had gone. It's never a nice situation, but whatever happens, happens.
"We have issues to solve defensively. If we can do that, next season could be another season of really strong performances. This was a season that could have been better, but a good season overall.
"We're a real united club. I think we're still moving forward, so there's a lot to be positive about."