Mitrovic's late header cements Tyne-Wear stalemate

Manchester - Aleksandar Mitrovic scored an 83rd-minute equaliser as Newcastle United prevented northeast rivals Sunderland from escaping the Premier League relegation zone in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Seeking a seventh successive win over Newcastle, Sunderland took the lead in the 44th minute at St James' Park when Jermain Defoe volleyed home left-footed after Rob Elliot had parried a shot from Fabio Borini.

But with seven minutes remaining, Georginio Wijnaldum crossed for Serbian striker Mitrovic to score with a downward header, sparing Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez from defeat in his first home game and keeping both teams in the bottom three.

Related - PHOTOS: Newcastle fan invades pitch, celebrates equaliser with hero Mitrovic

With eight games each to play, third-bottom Sunderland is two points from safety, with Newcastle a point behind in 19th place.