Newcastle’s draw with Watford means they have blown a staggering 21 points from winning positions so far this season - more than any other Premier League side.
Eddie Howe’s men looked destined to secure a dramatic victory in the relegation six-pointer but were denied by a last-gasp equaliser from Joao Pedro.
The Magpies boss rued his side’s collapse after the game, putting the lapse in concentration down to how much pressure was relying on a victory.
He said: "I think the players were so desperate to win that they went into a little bit of protection mode and didn't want to take too many risks.”
Toon fans were dejected at the full-time whistle as, yet again, they saw their side throw away a much-needed victory.
To put Newcastle's rotten record into perspective, relegation rivals Norwich have failed to drop a single point after taking the lead - winning all three fixtures.
Bottom of the table Burnley relinquished 11 points, while Watford - who ended their seven-game losing streak at St James’ Park - have dropped six.
Only four clubs dropped 19 points or more throughout the entirety of last season, highlighting exactly where Newcastle’s problems lie as their defensive fragilities are exposed on a weekly basis.
The Magpies’ turgid run record started on the opening day of the campaign against West Ham when Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy twice gave Steve Bruce’s side the lead… only to lose the game 4-2.
That result epitomises the theme of Newcastle's season as they have crumbled on NINE occasions to become their own worst enemies.
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