Newcastle's defeat to Brentford was a 'massive blow' for Steve Bruce who would have bought a 'little bit of time' with a victory at the Brentford Community Stadium.
That was the verdict of former Rangers forward and manager Ally McCoist who believes the pressure will now crank up on the Newcastle boss after a damaging week at the helm.
The Magpies blew a golden opportunity to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday evening when they were beaten 1-0 by their Championship opponents.
And Bruce's misery was compounded on Saturday evening as Manchester City cruised to a 2-0 win against his side.
It has meant the pressure has intensified on Bruce, who has dealt with criticism over his team's lack of attacking intent and style of play all season.
With Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal next up, things won't get any easier for Bruce and McCoist admits he worries for Newcastle and their manager in the coming weeks.
"It was a massive blow to them both," McCoist told Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday when asked about the Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford.
"I knew it would be a difficult game for them in midweek but I honestly thought they would have just enough to scrape a victory.
"I watched the game and Brentford deserved it. I worry for Newcastle at this moment in time.
"I think if they had won that game it would have bought them a little bit of time heading into the next three games.
"Having lost that game, I think the pressure and the emphasis on Steve Bruce heading into those next three games are going to be vital.
"If you listen to Newcastle fans, it is a strange one and it is a difficult one to weigh up.
"They have probably had their best start in four or five years, points wise, and you can make an argument that he is doing as good, if not a better, job as Benitez.
"But I am just getting a vibe that the majority of the Newcastle fans are not happy.
"They are not a fan of the style of play and they can look at teams like Southampton and Leeds United, who are maybe not winning every week, but they are certainly easy on the eye and their fans are getting value every week when they are watching him.
"I think it was a massive disappointment for Steve Bruce and Newcastle."
McCoist then doubled down on his fears when asked by host Jeff Stelling whether he believes the situation is as serious as Bruce 'buying time' to avoid questions over his future.
"I really do," McCoist replied when asked whether he feels Bruce is under pressure.
"You can make arguments and points wise, they are doing OK. Callum Wilson scores goals and I think Ryan Fraser will prove to be a good signing but they still have problems defensively.
"If you look at the way they have started, just taking in the number of points, I think they will be quite happy.
"But there is more emphasis on the style of play coming from the Newcastle fans that is adding to the pressure."
