Aaron Tshibola rescued a point for Aston Villa as Newcastle blew the chance to close in on Sky Bet Championship leaders Norwich.
The midfielder headed in an 87th minute equaliser for the hosts to secure a 1-1 draw after Tommy Elphick's first-half own goal looked to have won it for the Magpies.
Dwight Gayle and Mo Diame had chances to finish Villa off and the visitors paid the price late on, having been given let-offs when Mile Jedinak had a goal disallowed and Jordan Ayew hit the post.
The teams were relegated from the Premier League last season and both spent around £50million to try to win an instant return to the top flight.