Shane Long rescued a point for Southampton – on a day when Steve McClaren's side made a positive start to the season.
Goals from Papiss Cisse and then Georginio Wijnaldum had the Geordies ahead with 11 minutes to go, after Graziano Pelle's opener.
But Long powered a header home to deny McClaren a win in his first game in charge.
Our man Simon Bird was at St James' Park to watch the action, and here's what he learned:
Spend big and you get quality...
Gini Wijnaldum spent last year winning the Dutch title with PSV. He kicked off his debut game for Newcastle with a brilliant headed goal.
Mike Ashley sanctioned spending this summer on big money recruits, and the dividends were on show immediately.
Wijnaldum finished off a devastating counter attack, which had Gabriel Obertan flying down the right and crossing first time, and superbly, for his new £14m team mate.
And what an immediate impact from Aleksandar Mitrovic. Booked for a crazy tackle on Matt Targett... three seconds after coming on for his debut. Like I said: quality!
Steve McClaren keeping it low key
None of the usual crowd waving, on the pitch introductions for new boss Steve McClaren.
He took his place high up in the directors box for the start of the game along with owner Mike Ashley, and wasn't introduced to the crowd before the game.
McClaren lasted 29 minutes before reverting to the dug-out, but started the second half up high too.
Newcastle are looking slick off the pitch
Along with a swearing ban for his players, McClaren's disciplinary policy means players were told to arrive wearing suits.
Chancel Mbemba took this to the extreme, wearing a bow tie and tuxedo!
United were looking smart on the bench too. Not for a long time have Newcastle had the luxury of five decent players as subs, and Remy Cabella left in the stands.
Saints' Achilles heel not exposed
Injured boss Ronald Koeman tweeted a picture of himself in a hospital bed saying his Achilles operation had been a success.
Not many managers have a brother to put in charge, but Erwin Koeman was in the dug out to guide a decent start by Southampton.
They looked more coherent that the Geordies in the first half, and had an aerial presence that caused Newcastle trouble.
Pelle is alive and well
The Southampton striker is a monster, and his height and jumping power must give defenders a nightmare.
He scored his 19th goal for the club with a massive back post leap and nod past Tim Krul.
Cisse's chest the job
No one can match the goals per minutes on the pitch ratio of Papiss Cisse. The Senegal striker is under pressure for his place from new arrival Aleksandar Mitrovic, and the potential recruitment of Charlie Austin.
But he was on the spot again to equalise, bundling a deflected Massadio Haidara cross over the line from a yard. They all count.
Player ratings
Newcastle
Krul 7
Stunning save with his left foot from a Yoshida header.
Janmaat 6
Out jumped by Shane Long for late equaliser.
Mbemba 6
Decent debut, quick and good on ball. Lost Pelle for goal.
Coloccini 6
New contact signed and slotted in despite lack of pre season action.
Haidara 6
Has chance to make left back spot his own.
Anita 7
Played holding role well, but carried off after fall on his back.
Colback 6
Booked Sound game in the engine room, scrapping and probing.
Sissoko 6
Some powerful breaks down the right and needs to add an end product.
Wijnaldum 7
GOAL Brilliant header, and a good debut in creative advanced midfield role.
Obertan 7
Often maligned, but work rate and speed on the counter attack is a real threat.
Cisse 7
Is a reliable goal getter and could extend his Toon career.
Subs:
Tiote (Anita 68)
Mitrovic (Cisse 75)
De Jong (Wijnaldum 81)
Aarons, Perez, Darlow, Taylor.
Southampton
Stekelenburg 6
Completely deceived for Cisse goal by deflection on the cross.
Cédric 7
Booked Added good width and set up Pelle goal.
Fonte 6
Booked: Loud and positive organising his team. One wild, sliced clearance.
Yoshida 6
Unfussy game marking Cisse and unlucky not to score with a header.
Targett 6
Had a tough game against the pace of Obertan and Janmaat overlaps.
Wanyama 6
In the thick of the battle, and did plenty of destroying.
S. Davis 6
Several crucial blocks in his own box to save his defence.
Tadić 7
Lovely deep cross to help rescue a point.
Mané 7
Was dangerous late on with one chance snuffed out by Krul.
Rodriguez 6
Joy at first league start for 491 days after his knee ligament rupture.
Pellè 8 - Man of the match
GOAL Towering back post leap and excellent down header to open scoring.
Subs:
Martina (Cedric 45)
Long (Rodriguez 65)
Subs: Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi, Gazzaniga, Caulker.
49,710
Ref: Craig Pawson
