Shola Ameobi came to Newcastle's rescue in stoppage time Sunday, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Sunderland in the north-east derby. The substitute levelled after Demba Ba had an 83rd-minute penalty saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
"It has been a mad week," Ameobi said. "I have had the flu and didn't expect to be involved today. It is just one of those games I tend to score in. It is such a fantastic feeling for me, the fans and the club.
"They made it tough for us but the manager said to me 'Go and get a goal' and I duly obliged."
Nicklas Bendtner had put Sunderland ahead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute and the visitors managed to hang on until stoppage time despite having Stephane Sessegnon sent off in the 58th for lashing out at Cheick Tiote.
"I am very proud of the team and very disappointed to have dropped the points so late in the game," Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill said. "We played brilliantly first half and deserved to be in front. But it is difficult to win a game with 10 men. We defended resolutely and it was a terrific effort."
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole was also dismissed after the final whistle for arguing with referee Mike Dean using foul and abusive language.
"I have gone in to see the referee and you can't be abusing the referee and therefore it has to be merited," O'Neill said. "There were plenty of mitigating circumstances though."
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