Miles Starforth's derby verdict: Aleksandar Mitrovic goal could prove to be priceless for Newcastle
Maybe, just maybe, a header from Aleksandar Mitrovic, which cancelled out Jermain Defoe's first-half opener, could do just that.
Had he not met Georginio Wijnaldum's 83rd-minute cross, surely it would have been all but over for Newcastle United.
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Hide AdAs it is, this afternoon's 1-1 draw against Sunderland suits 17th-placed Norwich City, the club's next opponents.
But the header could prove to be a pivotal moment in second-bottom Newcastle's season.
United, as it stands, still have Norwich and Sunderland within reach. They also have a game in hand, albeit one against Manchester City.
The 154th derby was contested by two poor teams. And Newcastle were the poorer of the two.
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Hide AdThey lacked ideas and inspiration for much of the game, and Sunderland played more like the home team.
But it's a start, and Rafa Benitez now has two weeks to prepare United for their visit to Carrow Road.
If Newcastle can beat Norwich, and that's a big "if", they'll be back in with a chance.
Mitrovic, and his £14million price tag, has been questions this season, but should the club stay up then he'll have more than paid back that fee with that one strike.