Big Sam relieved after draw

The 53-year-old went into the game under intense pressure as bookmakers slashed the odds on former Magpies skipper Alan Shearer replacing him to evens following a run of five league games without a win and two successive home defeats.

He said: "Under the circumstances, it is a weight lifted off us all, and me. But I will keep working and knowing what's right and not get distracted by the outside influences."

He added: "I have been doing the job long enough to know I cannot let outside influences change my focus or my way of managing because I know I would not be sitting here if I was not good at what I do."

After a week during which rumours of dressing room unrest were denied and outspoken midfielder Joey Barton found himself among the headlines once again, there was an electric atmosphere at St James' Park as the game kicked off.

But within for minutes, Emmanuel Adebayor had taken the wind out of the home side's sails, controlling Emmanuel Eboue's cross on his chest before dispatching a seering volley past Shay Given. To their credit, Newcastle did not throw into the towel as they snapped at the Gunners' heels throughout, and they eventually got their reward on the hour through Steven Taylor.

David Rozehnal might have won it at the death with a back-post header, but his effort was blocked as Taylor prepared to pounce, leaving Allardyce satisfied, proud, but ultimately disappointed.

He said: "I am relieved, but disappointed we did not win, which is a little hard to take.

"Pulling off a performance like that and coming back from 1-0 down and then having enough opportunities or half-chances - and particularly one really good chance at the death, left the lads and us disappointed, I have to say.

"Coming out of the run we have had going into the game, we would have all settled for a draw."