Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. Both of these sides come into this match ravaged by injuries and suspensions, so it could well be about who deals best with their long list of absentees today. Let's start with a look at the home side...

It has been a mixed bag of late for the Gunners, with some impressive victories in Europe taking some of the gloom away from a few really disappointing results in the league. Last time out they picked up a very good 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in Istanbul having also beaten Borussia Dortmund in their previous match, but they still only qualified in second place from their group and face a potentially daunting tie in the first knockout round.

That was a particularly important victory for the Gunners due to what happened last weekend in the Premier League. Arsene Wenger's side have never enjoyed playing against Stoke at the Britannia, but this was perhaps their worst trip yet as they went 3-0 down in the first half. They did manage to pull things back to 3-2 with a couple of quickfire goals, but it was a really disappointing defeat and one that did nothing for Wenger's popularity amongst Arsenal fans.

Not for the first time in recent years, Wenger has seen his position come under scrutiny this season, and the Arsenal fans are currently as vocally opposed to his reign as ever before. He was booed and abused in a train station following the defeat to Stoke, while banners were unfurled asking him to leave the club during their victory over West Brom at the Hawthorns recently. Wenger remains keen to battle on, but another defeat today could leave the manager on thin ice.

A Champions League place appears to be the main goal for the season now, with the title seemingly already out of reach for the Gunners, but whatever happens today they won't finish the weekend in the top four. They are currently four points adrift of the Champions League places, although with West Ham and Southampton both currently dropping points and Manchester United not playing until tomorrow, they do have a chance to put pressure on the teams directly above them today.

They are not actually in bad form overall, with four wins from their last five matches in all competitions, but it is their performances in the Premier League that are concerning for the Gunners. They have lost three of their last five league games, including a home defeat to fierce rivals and fellow top four contenders Manchester United. Defeats to Swansea and Stoke would have been hugely disappointing, but it prove to be that loss to United that is most damaging.

That does remain their only home defeat in the league since the opening day of last season, however, and they will be keen to continue their winning ways at the Emirates today. They have emerged victorious in their last two matches in front of their own fans, keeping clean sheets in both. However, they haven't exactly been all-conquering at the Emirates this season having also drawn three of their seven home league games.

They have an unhealthy habit of falling behind in front of their own fans too. They have had to come from behind to win or draw four of their seven home league games this season, while they have also failed to score in the first half of any of their last six league matches. At the other end of the field there is another interesting but damning statistic for the Gunners, who have conceded from the first shot on target they have faced in seven of their 15 league games this season.

We shouldn't expect the deadlock to be broken too early in this game, however, as Newcastle have not scored in the opening 30 minutes of any game in the league this season - the only side not to have done so. Coupled with Arsenal's poor recent scoring record in the first half of games, the smart money could well be on this one being goalless at the half-time interval today.

Should Wenger need any inspiration for how quickly things can change for a manager in football, he need look no further than Alan Pardew. The Newcastle boss has repaid Mike Ashley's faith in him with a fine run of form that led to him being named Manager of the Month for November, just weeks after it appeared inevitable that he would be sacked. He celebrated four years in charge of the Magpies this week, and it has rarely been easy for him. He has battled on, though, and his side are in good shape heading into the busy festive period.

They will certainly be full of confidence heading into this match having become the first side to beat Chelsea in any competition this season last weekend. There was talk of Jose Mourinho's side emulating Arsenal's 'Invincibles', but a Papiss Cisse brace ended that talk despite some heavy late pressure from Chelsea. Newcastle were hanging on at the end having been reduced to 10 men, but they made it to the end for a very impressive victory.

That made it seven wins in their last nine games in all competitions, and Arsenal will be particularly wary of the fact that they have toppled the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in that time. They have won six of their last eight in the Premier League to shoot up the table, and they are actually level on points with the Gunners heading into this match. That leaves them just four points off the top four, and if they can maintain this form over the busy festive period then a challenge for Europe could well be on the agenda in the New Year.

Newcastle's only defeat in their last 10 outings in all competitions was to West Ham recently, and it is shaping up to be a very successful season. They face another trip to North London on Wednesday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup quarter-final, and if they can win both of those games then they would be one point off the top four with a semi-final of a cup to come. Many teams would give a lot to be in that position.

They have been in rather mixed form away from home this season, though, with two wins, three draws and two defeats on their travels in the league. However, there have been some impressive victories in that mix, including victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane on their last trip to North London. They have also beaten Manchester City at the Etihad in the League Cup, so will fancy their chances of getting something from any ground in the country they visit.

Goals have also been a bit of an issue this season, with Newcastle having only scored 17 in their 15 outings. That is the lowest tally in the top half of the table, and Pardew has often been forced to look to his bench for help in that respect. Credit must go to the Newcastle manager for how he has used his subs this season, with no fewer than seven of those goals coming from players who started the match on the bench. That is more than any other side in the league.

TEAM NEWS: Cisse started the last match on the bench and came on to get a brace, so unsurprisingly he is drafted into the starting XI today. He plays alongside Ayoze Perez in a Newcastle side that shows four changes to the team that beat Chelsea. Arsenal, meanwhile, make five changes to the side that cruised past Galatasaray on Tuesday, with Giroud and Welbeck both returning to the side. Full team news for both sides coming right up...

ARSENAL STARTING XI: Szczesny; Bellerin, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Flamini, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez, Welbeck; Giroud

ARSENAL SUBS: Martinez, Ajayi, Coquelin, Maitland-Niles, Campbell, Podolski, Sanogo

NEWCASTLE STARTING XI: Alnwick; Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett; Tiote, Colback; Gouffran, Perez, Ameobi; Cisse

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Woodman, Haidara, Anita, Vuckic, Cabella, Armstrong, Riviere

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, both have had to deal with a long list of absentees, and that is most notable for Arsenal in defence. Debuchy is back fit but has been forced to play in the middle today, with Koscielny and Monreal both injured and Chambers suspended. Wenger was criticised for not bringing in another defender during the transfer window and, not for the first time this season, that appears to have hurt the Gunners today.

There are more problems in midfield, with Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere and Rosicky among those sidelined. Cazorla comes back into the side as a result, although should he play alongside Flamini as expected then that could be an area that Newcastle try to exploit today. Cazorla is certainly not a natural holding midfielder, but Wenger will be hoping that he has a similar affect to that of Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas in the deep-lying playmaker role.

There is no doubt that Arsenal's star performer this season has been Alexis Sanchez, and the Chilean returns to the side today having sat out in midweek. He has either scored or assisted nine of Arsenal's last 13 Premier League goals, and it is worrying to think where the Gunners would be without him this season. There is perhaps an over-reliance on the former Barcelona man that Wenger could look to address in January.

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There are fewer problems in the striking department when it comes to injuries, with Welbeck and Giroud both able to start today's match. Welbeck is expected to operate mainly from a wide role, which he was never too fond of at Manchester United. His record as a central striker is very good, and he could well opt to drift in and play closer to Giroud should Wenger allow him. Those two can be very tough to play against when they are on form, so Newcastle will be particularly wary of that threat today.

The man charged with keeping them at bay is young Jak Alnwick, who came on as a sub for his debut against Chelsea. Krul and Elliot are both sidelined at the moment, so this is a big chance for the third-choice keeper to show what he can do. He looked assured and confident on his debut but was partially at fault for Didier Drogba's goal. He was also very eager to come and collect crosses, and while Arsenal don't usually play that style of football, they could aim to test the young keeper a few times with high balls into the box today.

In defence, they are without the suspended Steven Taylor, but they do have the inspirational Coloccini fit despite concerns over a hamstring injury. The skipper was superb against Chelsea and a similar performance tonight would make things very hard for the Gunners to break through. Further forward, Sissoko is also suspended having amassed five yellow cards just a week after serving another ban for a red card. He is a huge player for the Magpies and they sorely missed him during the recent draw against Burnley, so it will be interesting to see how the cope today.

Interestingly, Pardew has gone with an attacking lineup this afternoon, with both Perez and Cisse starting. Cisse had to start this weekend following his match-winning brace against Chelsea last time out, but the Senegalese striker has often fared batter when coming off the bench in matches. He is a key player for Newcastle when he is on form, but games do tend to pass him by now and again.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Emirates, which means that it is time for a prediction! Arsenal were really disappointing against Stoke last weekend, while Newcastle were superb against Chelsea in hanging on for a shock victory. However, I think home form could prove vital for the Gunners today, and I can see them making a return to winning ways in the league. I'll go for 2-1 to the home side.

That's what I think, but how about the Sports Mole sofa? You can listen to what they had to say about this match in our video preview below:

Arsenal certainly boast the better recent history between these two sides, with Newcastle finding the Gunners something of a bogey team in the last few years. They have lost their last five league matches against Arsenal, and have only won one of their last 14. That record extends to just two wins in their last 28 meetings in all competitions, with no fewer than 18 defeats in that time.

Arsenal ran out convincing winners in this fixture last season, with Koscielny, Ozil and Giroud all on the scoresheet in a 3-0 victory in April. Perhaps the most memorable recent meeting between the sides came two years ago, however, when the Gunners ran riot in a 7-3 victory.

Results in the 3pm kickoffs have, by and large, been kind to both of these sides. Chelsea and Manchester City were both victorious, but West Ham were held to a draw by Sunderland and Burnley pulled off a surprise victory over Southampton at Turf Moor. Victory for either side today would lift them level on points with the Saints, then.

KICKOFF: Arsenal get us underway at the Emirates on what is a big day for them and Arsene Wenger. There is growing unrest among the fans, so nothing other than a win will really do this afternoon.

It has been a composed and confident start from Newcastle. They have seen plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges, but are struggling to keep hold of it for too long when they advance into the final third.

Good defending from Gouffran as he tracks the run of Bellerin all the way, shepherding the ball out of play following a nice bit of skill from Sanchez. The Chile international looked the other way when slipping a pass through for his full-back, but Gouffran wasn't fooled and did his job well.

Scrappy period of play as both sides battle for the ball in midfield. Tiote is lucky not be shown a card in the midst of it all as he appeared to kick out at Sanchez, catching the Arsenal man with his boots in his stomach. That was a naughty one from Tiote.

OFF THE BAR! Arsenal are inches away from breaking the deadlock from their first corner of the match. Mertesacker races to the front post to latch on to Cazorla's delivery, flicking a fine backward header towards goal. It catches Alnwick off guard, but with the keeper beaten the ball bounces off the underside of the crossbar. So close for the hosts!

Arsenal are beginning to grow in confidence in this match now following that Mertesacker effort. They have shown a couple of glimpses of breaking through, but that header aside Newcastle have so far stood up to the challenge.

More dangerous play from Arsenal as they patiently probe for a way into the Newcastle box. They eventually find it with a chipped through-ball to Sanchez, who dips his way inside before being crowded out.

Good play from Ameobi at the other end as he spins away from Flamini before moving into the box down the left side. Debuchy comes across to make a good block and concede a corner, though.

From the resulting corner, the ball falls to Tiote, whose effort is blocked. That allows Arsenal to break quickly, with Oxlade-Chamberlain leading the charge. He has Giroud completely unmarked in the middle, but he mis-hit his pass and Newcastle are able to clear the danger.

First blood to Arsenal! Coloccini sends a pass slightly short and Arsenal immediately pounce on it, with Giroud sliding his pass out wide right for Sanchez. The French striker then bursts into the box to get on the end of Sanchez's looping cross into the middle, soaring above the defender to plant a superb header into the far corner.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Arsenal have the ball in the back of the net again, but this time it won't count. Welbeck was penalised for pulling Janmaat back down the left channel, allowing him to get to the ball and race into the area. His finish is a beauty, chipping it over Alnwick from a tight angle, but it doesn't count. The referee blew his whistle before the shot, but it was a soft one.

Arsenal are starting to play with a real swagger now. That goal has given them a huge boost and they are in complete control of the game at the moment. They are looking likely to add to their lead before the break right now. Oxlade-Chamberlain tries to supply that second goal, but he slices his effort well off target.

PENALTY SHOUT! The hosts wanted a penalty for a foul on Giroud, and the referee certainly has a decision to make. Giroud got himself in front of Tiote, who did catch the striker on his way back, but the contact was more from Giroud on Tiote than the other way round. Good decision from Lee Mason.

Poor from Ameobi as the ball drops to him around 25 yards from goal. He attempts an ambitious volley but completely mis-hits it, which once again allows Arsenal to break. Bellerin plays a good low ball towards the box, but Colback is there to make a vital interception.

Newcastle are certainly targeting Debuchy when they hoist the ball forward for Cisse, but the French defender has dealt with the test well so far against his former club.

The visitors haven't got another going up front in this one so far, and Arsenal are looking very comfortable right now. The Gunners have been by far the better team so far, but will want to get another goal to show for their dominance.

Superb run from Bellerin and he bursts forward from right-back, beating a number of Newcastle defenders on his way into the area. He is just thwarted by a last-ditch challenge when going for goal, though.

Nervy moment for Alnwick as the young keeper comes to collect a corner. He gets to the ball first, but it pops out of his grasp momentarily before he recovers to cling on. It was an important recovery too as Welbeck was lurking dangerously.

Newcastle have a rare chance to get in behind the Arsenal defence, but Cisse is unable to control Colback's pass. The striker hasn't kept hold of the ball well enough so far.

CHANCE! Lovely football from Arsenal as they knock the ball about for a long time, stringing plenty of passes together. They eventually break the Newcastle defence down as the ball is chipped through for Welbeck, who volleys it narrowly past the post.

Newcastle have their best spell of the match, with Colback being played through down the left channel. He whips a cross into a dangerous area, but there are no teammates there to get on the end of it. Moments earlier there was a claim for a penalty as the ball hit Welbeck on the arm, but it would have been a harsh one.

CHANCES! Oh my word, how on earth are Newcastle not level here?! A free kick arrives from the right and is met met by Gouffran, who plants a solid header straight at Szczesny. The Arsenal keeper makes a good stop, but his second save is even better. The ball bounces out to Cisse, who simply must turn it home from a couple of yards out, but Szczesny sticks out a leg to deny the striker from point-blank range. Incredible.

Credit must go to Szczesny for that double save, but Cisse really had to score. He couldn't have wished for a better chance, only to fire his shot straight at the keeper. Newcastle are growing in confidence, though, and have really come into this game now.

YELLOW CARD! Bellerin becomes the first man to go into the book for a late trip on Ameobi. He can't have many complaints there.

Interesting call here as Dummett is beaten to the ball by Sanchez after a good foot race between the two. The first contact between the players is right on the edge of the box, while Sanchez goes down outside the area. Lee Mason opts for a free kick in the end, but Arsenal had a shout for a penalty there.

The resulting free kick is a clever one, with the ball being pulled back to Cazorla rather than delivered into the box. Cazorla hits his first-time effort really well, but his shot deflects wide for a corner.

Poor from Flamini as he gifts the ball away in a dangerous area. Ameobi nips in to steal possession before skipping past Flamini, but his eventual pass is just too far in front of Cisse.

CHANCE! Arsenal are forced all the way back following some good pressing by Newcastle, but they then play a long ball forward that almost catches the Magpies out. Giroud cushions a pass off to Sanchez before once again getting into the box to get on the end of the resulting cross. This time he can't find the target with his header, however, putting it over the top.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of just one minute added time at the end of this first half.

Lee Mason brings an end to the first half, and it was a very interesting one that leaves the match finely poised ahead of the second 45 minutes. Arsenal began the game very much on top and looked to be in complete control for a while after they opened the scoring, but Newcastle grew into the match and were the better side in the final 15-20 minutes or so.

It was Olivier Giroud who got the only goal of that first half, and it was a classic header from the French striker. Bellerin nipped in to win the ball on the halfway line before Giroud found Sanchez on the right. The winger lifted a cross into the box that Giroud attacked really well, rising above the defenders and planting a fine header into the far corner.

Arsenal did have the ball in the back of the net again shortly after that goal, with Welbeck producing a clever finish to dink the ball over the keeper. However, it was pulled back for a foul on Janmaat in the build-up despite there being very minimal contact on the defender. There may well have been enough to see the full-back go down, though, so it was one that could have gone either way.

The Gunners also hit the bar early on, with Mertesacker flicking a clever backward header at the front post from a corner. His effort beat Alnwick all ends up, but struck the underside of the crossbar as Newcastle just about survived. Giroud and Welbeck have also had decent sights of goal for the hosts, and could well have been more comfortable at the break than they find themselves.

The best chance of the match fell the way of the visitors, however, and they will still be scratching their heads as to how exactly they are not level here. Gouffran got his head to the ball from a free kick and planted a header straight at Szczesny, whose save saw the ball drop to Cisse just a couple of yards from goal. However, the striker fired his effort straight at Szczesny, who made a very good stop to maintain his side's lead.

Despite missing that chance, the incident did appear to galvanise Newcastle. It was the first time that they had really threatened in the match, but it sparked a period of 10 minutes or so in which they were on top. They didn't create many more chances, but will be buoyed by their improved performance.

KICKOFF: Newcastle get us back underway for this second half. Can they overturn the deficit or will Arsenal hold out for a much-needed victory?

Ameobi has been Newcastle's brightest spark going forward so far, with the attacker showing good feet on a number of occasions. Cisse is not having his best day, however, with nothing going right for the striker.

Sanchez is getting increasingly frustrated having been on the end of a number of fouls today. The latest comes as Colback tugs him back in midfield, but the referee decides to let the Newcastle man off with just a warning.

Half a shout for a penalty from the visitors as Janmaat cuts inside and charges straight at the defence. His pass into the box seems to just clip Mertesacker on the arm, but the claims are very muted.

Lovely skill from Sanchez as he sucks Janmaat in before racing clear of the full-back. He cuts inside having got into the Newcastle half, but Tiote is there to break up the play with a strong challenge.

Arsenal have their second of the afternoon, and it is a lovely finish from Cazorla. The Spaniard collects Sanchez's pass inside the box, evading the challenge of Coloccini to get into a dangerous position and then chipping the ball over Alnwick from a tight angle.

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Double change from Pardew as he looks to respond to that, with Remy Cabella and Emmanuel Riviere replacing Cisse and Ameobi.

YELLOW CARD! Oxlade-Chamberlain goes into the book for a trip on Riviere, although Lee Mason could have let the midfielder off with just a warning there. The home fans certainly aren't happy with that decision.

That is surely game over now! Giroud gets his second of the match and Arsenal's third with a clever finish at the front post. The ball was drilled in towards the front post from the right flank, and Giroud times his run to perfection to flick it in off the post.

YELLOW CARD! Tiote goes into the book for Newcastle, hacking down Oxlade-Chamberlain on the edge of the box. No complaints there, it was a poor tackle.

Sanchez is the man who lines up the resulting free kick, and an air of expectancy fills the stadium. It is a disappointing effort from the Arsenal man, though, as his shot fails to clear the wall.

Arsenal are really on top right now. They win another free kick down the left flank that sees Cazorla test Alnwick at his near post. Newcastle need to settle here otherwise they could be on the end of a hammering.

Newcastle have a goal back! It is poor marking from the Gunners as no-one is there at the front post to cut out Colback's delivery from a free kick. That allows Perez to nip in and glance his header into the far corner. Game on for the Magpies now.

CHANCE! Arsenal look to restore their three-goal lead, and it is Cazorla who almost doubles his own personal tally. The ball drops to him in a similar position to where he scored from earlier, but this time his volley ripples the side-netting.

SHOT! Arsenal come forward again down the left flank, but there is no way through there so they play it back inside. Welbeck knocks it square for Flamini, who lines up an effort but curls his 25-yard shot over the top.

Olivier Giroud's brace is what separates the two sides right now, and here he is planting his opening goal into the corner. It was a textbook header.

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CLOSE! Suicidal defending from Coloccini as he is caught in possession by Welbeck deep inside his own box. It is all very crowded in there as the Gunners try to get a shot away, and eventually it falls to Gibbs on the left side of the box. His low volley is close, but skims the side-netting on its way behind.

Arsenal have just under 20 minutes to hold on to this lead now, but that recent collapse against Anderlecht, when they let a three-goal lead slip, could well be creeping into their minds. If they were to throw this one away, expect even more abuse to come Wenger's way from angry fans.

ARSENAL SUB: The hosts make their first change of the evening as two-goal Giroud is replaced by Lukas Podolski, who scored two of his own during the week.

Newcastle are enjoying a decent spell at the moment, and another goal in the next five minutes or so would make things very interesting indeed. Arsenal just need to hold out and keep the ball for a good length of time now.

That is exactly what they do, taking the sting out of the game and playing it at their own pace. They get in behind the visitors and threaten a fourth goal, but Bellerin puts too much on his cross and Sanchez can't collect it at the back post.

Arsenal have a great chance to break as the ball is gifted to Welbeck by Williamson. He and Sanchez have a two-on-one situation against Coloccini, but they don't work it well at all and the Newcastle defender is able to make a saving tackle.

Newcastle need a goal in the next few minutes if they are to provide this match with a grandstand finish, but right now Arsenal are looking fairly comfortable. They have responded well to conceding and, right now, aren't showing any signs of collapsing.

Newcastle do get in down the left flank here, though, reaching the byline before playing a low ball towards the front post. However, Riviere can't get a good connection on it and Arsenal survive.

YELLOW CARD! Janmaat goes into the book for a foul on Cazorla on the left sideline.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The visitors make their third and final change as Adam Armstrong replaces Ayoze Perez.

The home fans are chanting 'There's only one Arsene Wenger' right now, which will be very pleasing for the manager to hear. He has suffered his fair share of abuse over the last few seasons, but the Arsenal fans are showing their appreciation now.

SHOT! A corner arrives into the Arsenal box and is cleared only as far as Tiote around 25 yards from goal. He watches it onto his foot and makes a good connection with his first-time volley, but it goes high and wide of the target.

ARSENAL SUB: A second change for the hosts as Francis Coquelin, who has recently been recalled from a loan at Charlton, replaces Alexis Sanchez.

Arsenal have their fourth, and it is a cheeky one from Cazorla. The Gunners are awarded the penalty when Dummett gets the wrong side of Welbeck and bundles into him from behind inside the box. Lee Mason is right to point to the spot, and Cazorla does the rest with a panenka dink down the middle. You have to feel for Alnwick there.

CLOSE! Arsenal look for a fifth to add insult to injury. Oxlade-Chamberlain races into the middle before the ball eventually drops to Podolski, whose powerful low effort fizzes just wide.

ARSENAL SUB: A third and final change for the hosts as Oxlade-Chamberlain is replaced by Ashley Maitland-Niles, who is making his Premier League debut.

SAVE! Szczesny is forced into a late save as Armstrong lets fly from distance. His effort took a deflection off Mertesacker, but the Arsenal keeper was able to readjust and make the stop.

Lee Mason blows his whistle for the final time this evening, and it is a comfortable victory in the end for the Gunners as they cruise to a 4-1 win. It wasn't always as plain sailing as the scoreline may suggest, but Arsenal scored with all four of their shots on target today to pick up a much-needed victory. Newcastle showed signs of perhaps fighting back, but Arsenal's fourth killed the game off once and for all.

Arsenal have a pair of two-goal heros to thank for the victory, with Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla both getting a brace. Ayoze Perez pulled one back for Newcastle at 3-0, but Cazorla made sure of the points with a cheeky panenka penalty late on after Dummett had brought down Welbeck in the area.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a lively and entertaining match at the Emirates and Arsenal continued their fine recent record against Newcastle with a 4-1 victory. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings, which should be on site shortly. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!