Steve Bruce has reflected on Newcastle United's 1-1 draw at Watford - admitting the game should have been signed and sealed before late second half drama unfolded.
The Magpies went ahead through Sean Longstaff in the first half but were pegged back by Ismaila Sarr after the break.
Bruce's side at least climbed out of the bottom three with the draw but could have snatched it through Jacob Murphy.
Bruce said: "The game should have been put out of sight but you can't come here and dominate the way we did and create the chances we had and miss them.
"We nearly got punished for it at the end, which would have been totally unjust in my opinion.
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"Our performance was terrific, we've done OK of late and haven't managed to get that first win.
"We've played very well and should have come here and won the game comprehensively."
And speaking on the wasted opportunities, Bruce told BBC: "We were sloppy on too many occasions.
"The hardest part of the game is to score a goal, and that is a bit of mentality; you've got to go cold in front of goal."
