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.

However, in the event, his side turned in a performance of genuine character to fight their way back from an early setback and not only claim a point, but threaten top take all three.

Allardyce was delighted with a display which, in stark contrast to recent weeks, was warmly received by the black and white faithful.

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.

"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.

The impressive Alan Smith flicked on Habib Beye's cross, and when the ball arrived at the feet of Geordie defender Steven Taylor, he sent it skidding past Manuel Almunia and in off the post to level.

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.

"When they went 1-0 up so early, it looked like it might be difficult, but tonight was not difficult for our players because of their commitment to playing well at St James' to get the fans behind them and will them on to a result was there for all to see.

"Sadly at the end, we did not get the just rewards we deserved from the header at the far post, which was as good a chance as you can get."

The draw sent Arsenal four points clear at the top of the league, and manager Arsene Wenger was happy enough.

He said: "It's not bad. We would have signed for that at the start of the season, but when you are 1-0 in front..."

Asked if he thought the result was a fair one, he added: "Yes, maybe overall, yes, even though it was frustrating for us.

"It was a physically very, very difficult game for us tonight and mentally as well because they did fight for every ball.

"We were not up to our usual game, but we got a point that maybe we would not have got last year.

"But it was down more to the quality of our defending than to our drive going forward."