Newcastle United have sought clarity from PGMOL over the decision not to award them a penalty during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

The Magpies gave away a two-goal lead at St James' Park, as Chelsea fought back thanks to efforts from Reece James and Joao Pedro.

However, Newcastle felt they should have had a spot-kick when Anthony Gordon was barged over by Trevoh Chalobah.

Referee Andy Madley elected not to award a penalty, with that decision upheld by VAR. The Premier League Match Centre stated that Chalobah was "deemed to be side-to-side in a shielding action and the ball within playing distance".

"Yes, we will be seeking clarification [from PGMOL] and those calls have already gone in, not from me personally but from the club," said Howe on Tuesday as he looked ahead to Newcastle's clash with Manchester United on Boxing Day.

"We just want to know the thought process behind the decisions.

"I wouldn't want to train them to deliver that kind of challenge in the box because you are going to give the referees a decision to make.

"I think one of the arts of defending is not to put yourself in that position. I thought, and I still do, it was a clear penalty having reviewed it, and I have not changed my mind."

Newcastle head into Christmas in the bottom half of the Premier League, though a win at Old Trafford on Friday could see them move as high as seventh.

And Howe feels his side are on the right track after an indifferent start to the campaign.

He said: "I'd say we have been inconsistent at times our away form early in the season, although we were very good defensively, certainly in terms of our attacking output, we were way below the level we can. I'd say that has steadily improved.

"So the challenge is to hit those levels that we know we are capable of home and away.

"I believe we can do it. I believe the confidence is returning internally, and now we have to show we can do it."