Unwanted hat-trick is costing Newcastle United another special season, it’s a problem for Eddie Howe

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For the third time this season, Newcastle United have thrown away a result in stoppage time.

It is becoming a recurring theme, with Newcastle United drawing against Tottenham Hotspur courtesy of a 95th minute equaliser.

Newcastle did not defend well enough at all, allowing Cristian Romero’s overhead kick to break Toon hearts on a night where victory should have been secured. The Magpies deserved to win, yet poor game management cost them.

It has become a worrying trend for Eddie Howe’s side, particularly late in games at St James’ Park. And it is even more worrying when you realise where they could be had it not been for this habit of conceding late.

Where Newcastle United would be without conceding in stoppage time

It started in the first home game of the season. Newcastle lost 3-2 to Liverpool, with Rio Ngumoha scoring in the 100th minute. Eddie Howe’s 10 men should have held on for a point, but threw it away.

Then it was Arsenal, with Gabriel’s 96th minute header completing the comeback and making it Newcastle United 1 Arsenal 2. A second point had been given away on home soil.

Then came Tuesday night’s draw with Spurs. Newcastle were on course to beat Thomas Frank’s side, only for Romero’s overhead kick to rob them of victory. This time it was two points dropped.

In total, Newcastle United have thrown away four points by conceding in stoppage time at St James’ Park. Had they managed to see those games out, they would have 23 points in total.

Howe’s side would be sitting fifth in the table, just five points behind leaders Arsenal. If that was Newcastle’s reality right now, we would be talking about the prospect of another special season on Tyneside.

Instead, the Magpies are left to dwell on missed opportunities.

Newcastle United consistently throwing away leads

Game management is becoming an issue for Newcastle United, who have failed to hold on to leads against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Brentford.

Look, just because you take the lead does not mean you are entitled to win. Focusing on that Arsenal game, the Gunners were the better side over 90 minutes and deserved to be victorious.

However, there is a fear that this Newcastle United squad have lost their edge. They were always tough to play against and could grind out results, but that is not happening this season.