"Out of every game I've got to take positives, but we just don't give ourselves a chance," Ferguson said after the match.
"We spoke at length about trying to get control of the game quickly.
"We knew they'd come out of the traps quickly they always do at home.
"Credit to Newcastle, I think you have seen the team that will win the league. They're on a roll at the moment.
"Chris (Hughton) has done a good job and stabilised the whole club, so it was always going to be difficult for us."