Newcastle United v Arsenal | Matches

Arsenal V
Hull City
17TH MAR 2009

Saturday 21st March
Kick off: 17:30
St James' Park

Newcastle United
1 – 3
Arsenal

Arsenal V
Manchester City
4TH APR 2009

HIGHLIGHTS

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Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal

Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.

Full Time FT: NEWCASTLE 1-3 ARSENAL: It was shaky at times, but the Gunners dig deep to get a result that, in truth, could have been worse for the hosts. The Toon faded drastically after Arsenal's third but that was due to the visitors excellence on the break
90

The last piece of action belongs to Diaby who hits the top of the cross bar with a cross-cum-shot. That would have been pretty special
88

Substitution The man that got the goal-fest going is going to make way. Bendtner is replaced by Emmanuel Eboue. After the Ivorian's late substitute performance last week - two goals - don't be surprised if the Gunners get another!
87

At last, the tempo has now dropped to a pedestrian pace. The game is won, and the crowd are starting to make their way towards the gates
85

Newcastle just starting to show signs of life. Ameobi calls Almunia into his first piece of action for some time. That was a smart stop from the 'keeper
83

Excellent stuff Clichy to rob Martins and then breakaway into the Newcastle half. "He has been great today," says Dan
80

"It has been a great game to watch. The score really could have been Newcastle 3-7 Arsenal," says Dan
78

Substitution Newcastle need some inspiration here. Shola Ameobi could be the man to provide it; he replaces Lovenkrands
77

Another guilt-edged chance for the Gunners. Sagna delivers a pin-point ball onto the head of Bendtner, but the Dane has jumped too early and is on his way down when he makes contact. Just wide
74

I am glad to report that the pace of the game hasn't abated. Owen is yet to get a touch, and Arsenal continue to look most likely to trouble the scorers again
73

Substitution Protecting the lead appears to be the order now, as Song comes on for Arshavin
71

This is getting relentless. Clichy with a fantastic defence-splitting pass and Van Persie looks odds-on to score, but Harper does well to thwart the Dutchman. "A Bergkamp-style run from Robin there," says Rich
68

It really should be four! Bendtner with some delightful skill and an equally clever ball across the box, several players have a bite at the cherry but neither Denilson or Van Persie can tuck it away. Better goalkeeping that time
66

GOAL! - Samir Nasri 1 : 3 GOAL! NEWCASTLE 1-3 ARSENAL: The confidence appears to be drained from the hosts, and, once again thanks to the deftness of Van Persie, Arsenal are clear inside the area. Nasri is the one to profit this time. "I think the goalkeeper needs to look at himself there," says Rich
65

Substitution Taylor is not fit enough to continue. Michael Owen is on for the stricken defender
63

GOAL! - Abou Diaby 1 : 2 GOAL NEWCASTLE 1-2 ARSENAL: While Taylor is off the field getting attention, Diaby and Van Persie combine brilliantly with the former showing sublime confidence in smashing the ball into the back of the net
61

A stoppage here while Taylor receives some treatment
58

GOAL! - Obafemi Martins 1 : 1 GOAL: NEWCASTLE 1-1 ARSENAL: Well that wasn't in the script. Sagna tries to clear a hopeful ball forward, but does only to cannon the ball of Martins who reacts quickest and powers a drive home beyond Almunia. All-square. "It is just a loss in concentration at the back," says Rich
57

GOAL! - Nicklas Bendtner 0 : 1 GOAL: NEWCASTLE 0-1 ARSENAL: The hosts have looked dangerous from set-pieces, but it is the Gunners who profit from such an occasion. Bendtner rises brilliantly to glance Arshavin's free-kick home
57

Unfortunately it is the same story as the first half; Newcastle creating the clearest chances, but Arsenal looking very dangerous on the break
56

... dealt with this time
55

... again a Newcastle head meets it, but the ball is deflected over for another corner...
54

Diaby thinks he is fouled as he defends down by his own goal line, but the referee gives a corner instead...
52

Yellow Card We have a first card of the match. William Gallas goes into the book for leading with his feet as he goes up for a header
50

Slightly more direct approach in the opening stages of the half from Arsenal, as Diaby thrusts forward form midfield. Once again, though, the Toon get bodies in the way
48

The general consensus from the commentary team is that Arsenal need to get a grip on the midfield. We haven't seen enough of the ball-players
46

The second half is underway...
Half Time HT: NEWCASTLE 0-0 ARSENAL: A real blood and thunder match so far. There's been a missed penalty, an intervention from the woodwork, a glaring miss and a stunning block. "Somehow we are still goalless," says Dan. Newcastle will feel aggrieved having created the better of the chances
44

The visitors are finishing strongly now. Taylor throws himself in front of Van Persie's goal-bound shot and arises to rapturous appluase from the crowd
43

But Arsenal show they are capable on the front foot too, as Van Persie draws a brilliant save out of Harper. That was a smart break from the Gunners
42

The hosts are getting closer and closer, as this time Beye flicks a header towards goal. Thankfully Almunia is well positioned to save
39

The chances are coming thick and fast now, but they are all falling to Newcastle - Martins fires wide
39

What a miss by Lovenkrands. The former Rangers man fails to connect with a low cross a matter of yards from goal; Arsenal escape
38

Substitution Bassong, who has been linked with Arsenal recently, is forced off and replaced by Habib Beye
38

Praise coming in on the emails for Almunia. Keep letting us know what you think - studio@arsenal.co.uk
36

Outstanding stuff from Arsenal's Russian playmaker. Steven Taylor tries, in vein, to haul Arshavin down, and from distance he fires a delicious effort beyond Harper, but onto the cross bar. "Brilliant," says Dan
33

The Toon Army sense Arsenal are there for the taking. The midfield battle is certainly being won by the home side
31

... Martins is allowed a free header at the near post, but puts it over the bar. There is a suggestion that Toure is struggling with a slight injury
30

Terrific defending from Clichy to thwart Lovenkrands as he bore down on goal. Arsenal were carved open there, and they now have to defend a corner...
27

That near miss has been the kick up the backside the Gunners needed after 10-or-so minutes on the back foot. Arshavin goes close. "That was Ljungberg-style run," says Rich
24

... and he misses! Or should I say, Almunia saves. A fine stop by the Spaniard and we are still all square
23

PENALTY TO NEWCASTLE! Just moments after waving away one claim for a penalty, the referee this time believes that there has been an infringement in the area; Almunia felling Lovenkrands. Martins will take....
20

The commentary team are discussing the Champions League draw, and the last time the Gunners faced Villarreal. Let us know what you think - studio@arsenal.co.uk
19

Damien Duff takes a tumble under pressure from Nasri inside the area. St James' rises as one, but the referee gives nothing. "It would have been a soft penalty," says Rich
17

Neither side has seized the initiative so far. Newcastle are certainly proving equal to the task
15

... cleared at the near post by Nicky Butt
15

Arsenal have a corner...
15

Having said that, Bendtner, doing really well in the channel, fires off a shot that Harper does well to save. "A good save," says Dan. "But Harper is not in the same class as Given, in my opinion."
13

There is plenty of endeavour from both sides, but a distinct lack of goalmouth action
12

Remember you can let us know your thoughts - email studio@arsenal.co.uk, or you can now catch up with us on twitter. That address is - twitter.com/arsenaltvonline
10

... straight from the training ground! Gallas wriggles his way to the far post and should really do better with Van Persie's excellent delivery
9

Arsenal have found their feet. They force a corner...
8

Martins' pace - something he utilised so effectively against the Gunners in his Inter Milan days - is a threat in these early stages
6

.. it comes to nothing
5

Newcastle force an early corner...
3

A bright start from both sides here. A nice tempo to the game
Kick Off We are underway here at St James' Park
Arsenal Team News: The Gunners look to be shaping up in a 4-4-2 formation, with the now usual back four, and a front two of Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner. In between that, Samir Nasri, Denilson, Abou Diaby and Andrey Arshavin, will look to dominate the midfield
Newcastle Team News: There are four changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Hull City last weekend. Michael Owen is the most notable exclusion, with the Englishman still not completely match fit, while Kevin Nolan returns from suspension
Good afternoon. Today's Match Day Show starts at 16:50, bringing you the video highlights and post-match reaction from Arsenal v Hull City, Paddy Power's top bets, the key moments from Arsene Wenger's pre-match press conference and more.
Don't forget to stay tuned for the Post-match show, live with Tim Peters straight after the final whistle.