Watford’s failure to come away from St James’ Park with something to show for the chances they created left Adrian Mariappa feeling hard done by.

Javi Gracia’s side had 16 attempts on goal but managed just one on target on Tyneside as Ayoze Perez’s second half header gave the hosts victory.

Mariappa, who was culpable of missing two big chances of his own, was left frustrated by Watford’s inability to turn their dominance into the reward of goals.

“We are bitterly disappointed really to come away with nothing. As a team we created a lot of chances and we have been punished for not taking them,” Mariappa told the club website.

“I have had two chances in quick succession and should have scored both of them. All the lads are disappointed and we should have done better in front of goal.

“We are also disappointed to concede the goal we did as well. Our standards have been very high on defending set pieces and we are not happy with the goal.”

Watford were particularly profligate in the first period as Gerard Deulofeu squandered two clear cut openings.

Stefano Okaka also passed up a golden chance to secure a point at the death as he blazed over the bar from eight yards out with the goal at his mercy.

Mariappa was understandably frustrated that the Hornets were unable to find the net, but still looked to take the positives from the display.

“Just to lose a game of football is frustrating. The hardest thing in football is to create chances and score goals,” the centre-back said.

“We have to take positives that we are creating chances. In previous games we have been clinical and managed to kill games off. It is a tough one and is a lesson we have to learn.”