Steve Bruce has admitted a mistake was made when sending Jetro Willems into midfield during the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
The substitution had a knock-on effect, with the Dutchman still readjusting to the game, then being shunted to wing-back when Paul Dummett's pass fell short in the middle of the pitch.
After Arsenal nicked possession Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbed the opening goal of the game.
Bruce said: "I put Jetro on in midfield where he played for Frankfurt.
"Then I thought it was unfair, and I switched him quickly.
"We made a mistake.
"You make a mistake in the Premier League."
Bruce is now looking forward to taking on Norwich this weekend.
Looking ahead to the game, the Toon head coach said: "I've always had the mentality that we have to try to win at Norwich - and every game.
"Norwich play a certain way and they'll stick by it so we have to defend well to deal with it, but we'll get chances ourselves.
"The more time I have with the players, the better we will be."
