Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal: Lucky gunners see off ten man Newcastle [Match report + highlights]

News filtered in just before the lunchtime kickoff that Arsenal would be without playmaker Mesut Ozil following a minor (so they said) injury and Oxlade-Chamberlain was installed in the starting line up, Theo Walcott replaced Olivier Giroud in another change while Laurent Koscielny returned in place of the shaky Chambers.

Arsenal went straight into action and should have won a penalty when Bellerin was tripped by Frenchman Thauvin, the referee waved on but was quick to send Mitrovic into the dressing room for an early bath after a nasty stamp on Francis Coqueline.

Yellows went flying afterwards, all for the host but Arsenal couldn't get the breakthrough, Newcastle defended deep, Mbemba and Coloccini blocking off all advances as the game went into the break goalless.

Arsenal were never going to score from their own boots but Fabricio Coloccini helped out, diverting Chamberlain's shot past his keeper, it was the second time Arsenal were winning via favours from opponents, thus sparking talks of scoring crisis which in turn brings up the need for reinforcements up front.




Francis Coqueline showed why Wenger believe so much in him with an assured performance in the midfield.

Aresenal could have won still without a goalie as Newcastle offered nothing going forward but none of Arsenal's forwards justified Wenger's faith in his fireline, substitute Giroud wasted a sensational chance at the death after being put through by Aaron Ramsey.

Opponents won't score for you every week, Arsenal may be settling for another fourth place battle if the window closes without key signings.