The statistics behind Newcastle United’s two points dropped at Watford

Sean Longstaff’s first-half strike looked like it might be enough for Newcastle United to claim their first win at the seventh time of asking this season - but, as has been the case so often recently, it was not enough and the Magpies had to settle for a point on their travels to Watford.

A draw at Vicarage Road is not to be dismissed, however Steve Bruce & Co needed that bit more from this one.

Here’s a tale of the afternoon, according to the statistics.

POSSESSION: Watford 52% - Newcastle United 48%

Despite United dominating for large periods it was the home side who had the lion’s share of possession, although this is closer to level than the Magpies usually record away from home.

SHOTS: Watford 15 - Newcastle United 20

It felt like dominance for large spells and this statistic suggests it was. Twenty shots away from home is nothing to be sniffed at. The one goal from the 20 shots is, mind.

SHOTS ON TARGET: Watford 4 - Newcastle United 6

Sean Longstaff’s goal counted as one, and a number of other chances were squandered for the Magpies as they failed to win at the seventh attempt this campaign. Jacob Murphy’s effort late on was probably the worst of those ‘on target’.

CORNERS: Watford 5 - Newcastle United 6

Newcastle have rarely threatened from corners this season - a far reach from the side of a few years back. They edged this stat on the day though, for what it’s worth.

FOULS: Watford 19 - Newcastle United 20

This didn’t feel like a particularly dirty game, however Aussie referee Jared Gillett seemed to think otherwise.

He set the bar ridiculously low with the a Javier Manquillo booking early on, and to be honest things didn’t get much better for the Premier League debutant after that.

Was booed off by both sets of fans at the end by the sounds of it - and he can have few complaints. A tough day at the office.