It was only weeks ago Newcastle were beaten in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals on penalties at Stamford Bridge.
Howe said: "It was a difficult night. We did a lot right and that was in the middle of injury difficulties and we were struggling for fit players, we were so close in the penalty shoot-out it was difficult.
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"But, through every difficult position is a positive one, you have just got to find it.
"I think Chelsea have definitely improved over the season, in the League Cup final against Liverpool they played very well and they were unlucky to not win.
"Chelsea have top quality players and an outstanding manager."