Mark Viduka scored on his return to the Riverside stadium as Newcastle were just 10 minutes away from earning a precious away victory in their Premiership clash against Middlesbrough. Newcastle United took the lead twice in an eventful match but were pegged back immediately each time and Sam Allardyce's men were forced to share the points with Middlesbrough. Newcastle took the lead in the 22nd minute through a brilliant goal by Charles N'Zogbia but Middlesbrough drew level six minutes later through Mido. Viduka looked to have won the game for the visitors by scoring in the 77th minute but Arca got the equalizer three minutes later.

Newcastle started well but were unable to dominate the possession which allowed Jonathan Woodgate to settle down after being pushed straight into action following his recovery from knee surgery. Alan Smith had a great chance to give the visitors an early lead, but his shot was blocked brilliantly by George Boateng. Newcastle took the lead through a brilliant individual effort by N'Zogbia in the 22nd minute. The French midfielder moved inside from the left wing, beating off two Boro defenders before hitting a stinging right-footed drive past a helpless Mark Schwarzer. Newcastle's euphoria was short-lived as Mido struck on his home debut to bring back the scores on level terms. The Egyptian striker latched on to a pass from Rochemback before rounding off Steve Harper and passed the ball into the net.

Boro enjoyed a period of dominance following the equalizer with Rochemback and Arca coming very close to giving the home team the lead. However they were denied by some brilliant saves by Harper on both occasions. Newcastle suffered a double injury blow in the first half as Steven Carr and his replacement Peter Ramage were stretchered off the field. After a poor opening to the second half, Newcastle took the lead in the 77th minute when Viduka finally managed to break free of Jonathan Woodgate and latch on to a Geremi cross before driving a low shot into the net.

But Boro once again struck back quickly, this time through Arca as the Argentine midfielder latched on to a clearance before hitting a stinging volley into the net. Both teams were unable to break the deadlock, and were left with one point each in the English Premier League.