Neither Newcastle United nor visiting Arsenal were able to find the net during the first half of their Premier League clash at St James' Park this afternoon.

It proved to be an opening 45 minutes of very few clear goalscoring chances, with both defences on top.

The home side created their best chance with just seven minutes played when Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa got down the left to cross for Papiss Cisse, but the striker could only succeed in shooting over the crossbar from 10 yards out.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Santi Cazorla fired wide of the target despite having time and space on the edge of the area.

A victory for the Gunners would guarantee their spot in the Champions League next season. Anything else would hand the opportunity to rivals Tottenham Hotspur.