Newcastle United have forced a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa courtesy of a brilliant goal from Hatem Ben Arfa.
The French winger produced a moment of complete class just before the hour-mark when he picked up possession in midfield before firing a 25-yard right foot effort into the top right corner past Brad Guzan to cancel out Ciaran Clark's opener.
The Magpies found themselves behind in the 22nd minute when Clark headed home Barry Bannan's drifted cross from the left to give Villa a great start away from home.
Papiss Cisse was brilliantly denied by Guzan, who had been selected ahead of Shay Given, in the first half when the Senegalese striker shot on goal before the American was up to the task to keep out Yohan Cabaye's injury-time free-kick.
Guzan was arguably the best player on the pitch as he kept Villa in the game on a number of occasions but Toon gloveman Tim Krul was also busy having to deny Darren Bent twice early as well as two efforts from Stephen Ireland and Andreas Weimann in the second half.
But in the end the points were shared as Alan Pardew's Newcastle outfit moved to tenth with Paul Lambert's Villa sitting 17th and still searching for their first win.
Newcastle United: 1 (Hatem Ben Arfa 59') Aston Villa: 1 (Ciaran Clark 22')
Sports Direct Arena, Newcastle-upon-Tyne - 48,245
Yellow cards:NEW - Jonas Gutierrez 85' AV - Karim El Ahmadi 27', Eric Lichaj 90', Brad Guzan 90+2', Brett Holman 90+4'
