Dwight Gayle netted in a first-half dominated by Steve Bruce’s men, but two penalties from Troy Deeney – both coming after sloppy second half fouls from the Magpies – handed the home side victory.
So who emerged with any credit from a disappointing defeat? Scroll down and click through the pages as Miles Starforth dishes out his ratings from Vicarage Road:
1. Martin Dubravka
Beaten by two Deeney penalties, stopped another shot from the striker. 6 Photo: OLI SCARFF
2. Javier Manquillo
Not at his best, pegged back and conceded the penalty for Watford's winner. 4 Photo: Laurence Griffiths
3. Jamaal Lascelles
Hooked the ball off the line after a Welbeck header struck the post. 6 Photo: Michael Regan
4. Federico Fernandez
Flicked on Ritchie’s corner for the goal, almost gifted Deeney a second goal with a poor pass. 6 Photo: MICHAEL REGAN