Sarries suffered more late heartbreak in league after conceding a 79th-minute try at The Stoop

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was disappointed as his team crashed to their third consecutive Aviva Premiership defeat after losing 20-19 at Harlequins, a result which leaves the north Londoners nine points behind leaders Exeter Chiefs.

With 90 seconds of the contest remaining, Quins wing Tim Visser pounced on Danny Care’s brave crossfield kick for the winning try — after the England scrum-half had earlier set up two tries for Charlie Walker.

The late drama came after Brad Barritt scored a try for the visitors, which was converted by Owen Farrell, who also kicked four penalties.

And McCall was disappointed to see the Allianz Park club let another lead slip late on in a match, having also done so the week previous at home to Exeter.

“We were authors of our downfall as we weren’t smart or intelligent and chucked the game away,” said McCall.

“There was a lot of effort from us, but it was ultimately wasted effort and the defeat was self-inflicted.

“We got ourselves into a winning position, but we gave away stupid penalties and we’ve got to be better than that.

“Our situation is not ideal but we are OK as we are still third in the Premiership and are well placed in our European Champions Cup group.”

Saracens suffered a further blow when England lock Maro Itoje left the field early in the second half clutching his face.

McCall explained: “Maro has a facial injury and has gone to hospital - but it’s too early to say what the damage is.”