Barmby had said they should have got something at Middlesbrough on Boxing Day but failed to capitalise on the chances they created. He felt it was similar today as his forwards continued to fire blanks.
"I am frustrated because we created plenty of chances," he said after seeing his team go down 1-0. "We have created enough chances in the last two games to win 10 matches but we cannot keep saying that.
"It is a test of character now and we have a tough game on Monday and we'll bounce back.
"The goal was a soft goal to give away but I am not going to lambast any players. The communication needs to be better although it has been good in the last six or seven games."
Howe admitted that it hadn't been an easy win. "It was a really tough game," he said. "That's twice we've beaten Hull now and I think they have been one of the best sides we have played by some distance.
"They pass and move the ball really well and it was a real battle. We were without the ball for long spells, but we defended excellently and made life very difficult for them.
"When we did get our forward play going we looked a threat and maybe we could have scored the second goal to kill the game, but I'm really pleased with the tight win at home. We haven't had any of those this year - we've either won by a margin or been on the end of a result, so to grind out a 1-0 win is really pleasing.
"We look a more ruthless side, defensively more than anything. We've always had good attacking players, but we look much more solid and that's the really pleasing thing."
He added: "The recent results have seen Burnley climb the table to seventh. "That's six wins in seven games now and it just goes to show how unpredictable football is, but while we are enjoying our good run, we still have to have it in the back of our minds how quickly football can change.
"You still have to do the right things and be humble in victory and defeat and hopefully you will be on the road to long term success, which is what we all want.
"The only thing that has changed in that time is the confidence within the group. We always have had good players, but perhaps they weren't playing to their potential because we've had a few knocks this year.
"I think now the opposite is true now. The lads are going into games thinking they will win and although there is still some improvement to come they really believe in themselves."