Chance for Watford but as Troy Deeney plays a one-two on the edge of the box, Chancel Mbemba beats the Watford striker to the return ball and pokes it out for a corner, which comes to nothing. 

Moussa Sissoko has room on the right for Newcastle but his low cross is cleared by the impressive Sebastian Prodl. The Austrian has had a good game alongside centre-back partner Craig Cathcart. 

The more Newcastle press for a goal, the more gaps appear for a Watford counter attack. Intriguingly poised now. 

Florian Thauvin crosses from the left, it finds his Newcastle team-mate Ayoze Perez around the penalty spot, but the Watford defence crowd him out and block his effort. 

Having relinquished possession to Newcastle, Watford go close on a couple of occasions as Troy Deeney links well with Odion Ighalo, but the Nigerian cannot find his team-mate with a return pass. Dangerous, though. 

You know what I was saying about those Newcastle crosses? Only one has found a Newcastle shirt, and that was on the other side of the pitch. As I write this, another delivery clips off the head of Moussa Sissoko and runs out of play. 

Image source, BBC/Opta

You have to wonder what Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum makes of it all. Having signed from PSV Eindhoven for £14.5m in the summer, the Dutch side were beating Manchester United in the Champions League in midweek. 

Nice move from Newcastle, but when Florian Thauvin shoots it is blocked easily by Watford defender Allan Nyom. Ayoze Perez is close to a subsequent cross moments later. 

More catching practice for Heurelho Gomes in the Watford goal. Newcastle's crosses have not found their targets very often this afternoon. 

Siem De Jong was signed under previous Newcastle boss Alan Pardew. The Dutchman has scored twice since his £6m move in July 2014, but was injured for most of last season. 

Meanwhile on the pitch, Troy Deeney shoots for Watford but it is deflected wide. 

Newcastle striker Siem De Jong comes on for Papiss Cisse as Watford get us under way again. 

Anthony Rhodes:  Very disappointed with Newcastle so far. Haidara really hasn't been good enough. Losing to watford at home says it all  

Image source, Reuters

Tom in Kent: Really could be all change in the North East next season. Newcastle and Sunderland swapping places with Middlesbrough? That would be the ultimate changing of the guard.

Adam: Is anyone really surprised at Newcastle's current plight? A poor team with no history of success and a manager who has failed in almost every job he has had isn't going to be a glorious marriage, is it?

Newcastle started to find their way as the first half ended, but with Watford two goals to the good, it is a long way back.

Image source, Opta

John Roder
Match of the Day commentator

"Problems mounting for Newcastle, but a glorious first half from Watford."

Good possession from Newcastle but another Florian Thauvin cross is collected by Heurelho Gomes. And that's it for the half. 

Two minutes of added time as Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul rushes from his goal to clear ahead of Troy Deeney. 

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores is a suave looking fella, and has a positive aura about him as he retrieves the ball. With his team 2-0 up, why not?

Image source, Getty Images