Arsenal welcomed Newcastle United to the Emirates on Saturday looking to make it four straight wins in the Premier League.
They took the lead after 20 minutes when Theo Walcott coolly slotted into the bottom corner, but Newcastle were level from a Demba Ba free kick moments before the interval.
Arsenal regained their lead moments into the second period when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain converted from outside the box, but Newcastle levelled once more through Sylvain Marveaux just before the hour mark.
The action continued as Lukas Podolski put Arsenal back ahead after 64 minutes, but it was 3-3 when Ba added his second five minutes later.
Arsenal were back ahead after 73 minutes, however, when Walcott had his second of the evening with a powerful finish from inside the box.
The scoring was not finished there and Olivier Giroud added a late double to make it 6-3 to the Gunners, before Walcott scored their seventh in stoppage time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Well what a Saturday of Premier League action we have had thus far. There were wins for Manchester United and Manchester City, but Aston Villa's disastrous run continued against Wigan Athletic. Now our focus switches to North London with Arsenal looking to keep pace with the top four at the mid-point of the season. Let’s get straight to the team news.
Teams:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Cazorla, Podolski, Walcott
Newcastle United: Krul; Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, Santon; Bigirimana, Tiote; Cisse, Marveaux, Obertan; Ba
Arsenal have scored at least two goals in five of their last six home matches against Newcastle United. However, the Gunners have incredibly not won back-to-back Premier League games at the Emirates since April. A sensational statistic for a club that used to be so formidable on their own turf. But they have won their last three matches in the Premier League, the joint best current run of form along with Chelsea.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have really struggled for form this season and are 10 points worse off than they were at this stage last season. They have lost their last four matches away from home and have also conceded at least twice in eight of their last 10 away matches. The last time the Magpies had fewer points after 19 games in the top-flight, they had 17 and were eventually relegated. They have managed just 20 points thus far despite finishing a sensational fifth in the league last season.
It would probably be fair to state that recent matches between the two sides have had their fair share of bite. The Gunners have had a player sent off in three of their last four Premier League games against Newcastle. Meanwhile, the two clubs produced arguably one of the finest games in Premier League history when Newcastle recovered from four goals down to claim a point in a 4-4 draw at St James’ Park in February 2011. Let’s hope for similar excitement this evening!
The form book does certainly point towards an Arsenal win this evening. They have won their last three league games and have conceded just five goals in their last six matches. Added to the fact that they have lost only once in 10 meetings with Newcastle and that points to a straightforward three points right?! Not quite. The problem for the Gunners is football doesn’t work like that, and is certainly not as straightforward. You just get the feeling that an upset could be on the cards in this match.
Newcastle’s performance against Manchester United last time out will have certainly boosted their confidence. Much can be said about United’s defensive ability this season, but the Magpies were impressive for large spells. With the pace of trickery of Demba Ba – who indeed could join Arsenal in January – and Papiss Cisse, they could certainly hurt this Arsenal defence. The last clash between the two sides at the Emirates was a tightly-contested affair with Arsenal needing a stoppage-time header from Thomas Vermaelen to secure all the points.
Newcastle have managed just four wins in their last 18 league trips to Arsenal, however, with their last victory coming in November 2010 courtesy of a header from Andy Carroll. Oh how times have changed since then. Interestingly, this is the third time the two clubs have met on this date, with Arsenal winning both of the previous encounters in 1984 and 2004.
If Newcastle do manage to win this evening, then Arsenal will equal their most defeats in a calendar year under Arsene Wenger – 10. The Gunners will be keen to demonstrate signs of improvement in order to convince Theo Walcott to extend his stay at the club. The Englishman has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, just two shy of his previous best in 2010/11. But a continued dispute over money means that he is free to discuss terms with other clubs at the start of January.
Right, we are just about five minutes away from kickoff. Let me bring you a final word on Newcastle. Alan Pardew’s side have lost seven of their last nine fixtures and are yet to record an away win this season. That said, they have scored in each of their last six league games, their best scoring run of the season. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I think Newcastle can get something out of this match this evening. I am backing a score draw.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a final reminder on the team news. Walcott remains in attack for Arsenal this evening. Meanwhile, Cisse and Ba both start for Newcastle.
Today's referee is Chris Foy. Full house inside the Emirates expected on this rainy afternoon in London. A reminder that three points for the home side would move them into fifth position. Meanwhile, victory for Newcastle would move them into 13th. The away side get the action underway.
Decent start from Newcastle with Obertan winning a throw down the left of the Arsenal penalty area. However, Danny Simpson loses possession immediately. The home side launch a counter attack with Jack Wilshere finding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but the winger can only fire wide of the post from close range. Lively start.
Really bright opening to the match as Theo Walcott collects possession out wide before driving into the Newcastle penalty area, but Coloccini comes across to make the challenge. The pressure remains on the away side as Bacary Sagna fires a high cross into the box, but once more the danger is half-cleared before Cazorla fires straight at Krul.
It remains all Arsenal inside the opening six minutes of this match with Arteta and Wilshere enjoying possession of the ball in midfield. Newcastle are attempting to pressure with Tiote and Bigirimana, but they have been unable to get anywhere near the home side thus far. Confident opening from the Gunners.
Again the home side attempt to counter as Chamberlain collects possession before looking for the run of Walcott, but Perch comes across to clear the danger. It is clear, even this early, that Arsenal will attempt to release Walcott at every opportunity. He finally has his chance of playing consecutive matches as the lone striker.
Finally Newcastle have a sniff of an attack as Ba combines with Cisse inside the Arsenal penalty area, but the latter cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared by Gibbs. A reminder of the task facing Newcastle, of the last 23 matches between the two sides, they have won just twice. The early signs do not look too clever for them here.
Slightly better from the away side in the past few moments with Tiote and Sylvain Marveaux enjoying possession of the ball in midfield. The latter forces a free kick from Wilshere, but the delivery from Coloccini is headed clear by Vermaelen. We are still awaiting the first real chance of the match with 12 minutes on the clock.
Another Arsenal attack breaks down as Podolski attempts to feed the run of Walcott, but his pass is too long and Krul is on hand to collect. That is the problem facing the home side this evening. Newcastle can sit deep and sweep up the pressure in behind. The away side are really getting to grips with this match after a nervy opening.
Not a great atmosphere inside the Emirates this evening. It is almost as if the home supporters are waiting for something to happen on the pitch. Good work from Wilshere threatens to release Cazorla on the right, but Perch comes across and finds Cisse, who wins a corner for his side down the other end.
CHANCE! Clearest opening of the match by some margin as Ba meets a corner inside the penalty area. However, he can only head over the crossbar. He would have expected to do much better from that distance. There is no question that the early pressure from Arsenal has faded and Newcastle now look the side most likely.
End-to-end football at the moment as Podolski attacks the Newcastle defence before Obertan strikes an effort straight at Szczesny down the other end. The home side appear ever so disjoined at the moment with Walcott struggling to join in with each attack. This match really needs a goal in order to liven up proceedings.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle United (Walcott)
What was I saying about Walcott? The England international breaks the offside trap before cutting in and curling his effort into the bottom corner. That is his 12th goal of the season. Newcastle's line was incredibly high there. Why? I am not sure myself.
Newcastle attempt to launch an immediate response as Cisse wriggles free in the penalty area, but his shot is straight at Szczesny and the Arsenal goalkeeper collects before releasing Gibbs. The goal has done nothing to change the atmosphere inside the stadium, however.
Again it's good work from the away side as Marveaux collects possession on the right before driving a low cross into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared. Newcastle are playing well this evening make no mistake about that. But it has been their final pass that has let them down time and time again.
Newcastle continue to threaten as Tiote searches out the run of Cisse, but his pass is just too long and the Arsenal goalkeeper comes to clear the danger. It has just been that final pass that has let them down in the opening 27 minutes of this match. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could have a huge effect on the final result.
The away side continue to force the issue as Cisse wins another corner down the right. However, the delivery from Marveaux is poor and straight into the arms of the onrushing Szczesny. Arsenal attempt to counter down the other end with a long pass towards Walcott, but Krul beats the England international to the ball.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes. It has been an untidy spell with both teams guilty of giving away possession in midfield. Meanwhile, a couple of free kicks have also interrupted the flow. Little under 15 minutes of the opening half remaining and Arsenal lead courtesy of Walcott's 20th-minute strike.
Better from Newcastle as they continue to dominate possession in midfield, but Tiote's pass for Obertan is just too long and it slides out for a goal kick. Not the most exciting opening 33 minutes of football that we have seen this season. But Arsenal will not mind with their lead intact. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
Again the away side threaten as Tiote fires a high cross into the penalty area, but the ball just drifts away from Ba and out for a goal kick. It would be no exaggeration to say that they have dominated this opening half of football. But they simply have to take their chances at this level.
Pass, pass, pass. But not from the side that you would have expected. Arsenal dominate possession in the vast majority of home matches, but that has not been the case in this one thus far. Alan Pardew parades up and down the touchline as he ponders his next move. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
CHANCE! Entirely against the run of play Arsenal have the chance to make it 2-0 as Podolski finds Walcott inside the penalty area. However, the England international cannot find the finish past Krul and the goalkeeper collects. What a chance to possibly put this game beyond the Magpies.
Again it's bright work from the away side as Bigirimana fires a searching pass towards Simpson. The defender in turn whips an impressive cross into the box, but Ba cannot make contact. The ball is eventually met by Tiote outside the penalty area, but his stinging effort is pushed over the crossbar.
Glorious chance for the home side to fashion an opportunity as Walcott attacks Newcastle on the counter, but his pass towards Chamberlain is just too short and Perch manages to clear the danger. Newcastle have dominated the opening half but could be 3-0 behind. That's football for you.
It's good work from Obertan as the Frenchman cuts inside before driving into the Arsenal box, but Sagna just fouls the winger on his way. It appears that the resulting free kick will be taken by Ba.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle United (Ba)
Newcastle indeed level from the resulting free kick as Ba's effort is deflected past Szczesny via a huge deflection off the back of Wilshere. It is no more than the away side deserve. Little over one minute of the half remaining and we are all square at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half. Arsenal attempt to regain the lead as Chamberlain darts into the box, but the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, Marveaux comes close with a powerful effort down the other end.
Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle United
So there we have it. Chris Foy brings the opening half to a close with the two sides level at 1-1. In truth, Newcastle have completely dominated the opening 45 minutes of action and it would have been a travesty had they entered the interval behind.
Arsenal opened the scoring early on courtesy of a tidy finish from Walcott, but a Ba free kick two minutes before the interval levelled the scores at 1-1. It has been incredibly silent inside the Emirates thus far and you just get the feeling that the home side need their supporters to lift them.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Newcastle have shaded the possession with 55%. Meanwhile, they have managed five attempts to Arsenal's three. I cannot remember the last time I saw an away Premier League team come to the Gunners and play them off the park in the way Newcastle have this evening.
Just a reminder that Arsenal would move into fifth with three points this evening, while Newcastle would move clear of the relegation zone. It would not surprise me to see Olivier Giroud for the Gunners in the second period, but Newcastle are short of experienced options aside from Shola Ameobi.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. Arsene Wenger will be looking for a much-improved performance as they go in search of back-to-back wins at the Emirates for the first time since April. The home side get the action underway.
Decent start to the second period from Arsenal with Cazorla searching out the head of Oxlade-Chamberlain in the box, but Krul comes to collect the danger. Meanwhile, the home supporters are much more vocal in the early stages of this half.
CHANCE! Early opportunity for Arsenal as Podolski finds Gibbs down the left, but the defender's effort is straight at Krul, who pushes the ball to safety. Early indications are that Wenger has called for his side to raise the tempo in this second period.
Again it's good work from Newcastle as Obertan combines with Bigirimana down the left before the latter whips a searching ball into the penalty area, but the Arsenal goalkeeper comes to collect under the challenge of Ba. Real end-to-end football with six minutes of the second half played.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle United (Oxlade-Chamberlain)
Arsenal regain their lead as Cazorla finds Oxlade-Chamberlain just outside the penalty area and the winger smashes his effort into the bottom corner. That is his first Premier League goal of the season. All six of his strikes for Arsenal have come at the Emirates Stadium.
Suddenly Arsenal have their tails up as they pin Newcastle in their own half and the crowd are responding. There is a completely different atmosphere from the opening half which was terribly poor from Arsenal. But this match is far from over.
Newcastle continue to close down possession at every opportunity, but the passing from Arsenal is much quicker than in the opening half of football. Neither side has created too many opportunities in the second period, but the home side have the decisive lead with around 35 minutes of football remaining.
Penalty shout for the away side as Ba goes down under the challenge of Koscielny, but the referee waves play on. Walcott comes close to adding his second and Arsenal's third down the other end, but his decision making is poor as he shoots wide rather than finding a teammate in a better position.
Right, little over 30 minutes of football remaining and both sides are threatening to add to their tally. I would be very surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match. Obertan continues to cause problems with his pace down the left.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle United (Marveaux)
Newcastle level the match at 2-2 as Obertan drives down the left before whipping a low cross into the penalty area and Marveaux has the simplest of tasks at the far post. What a time to score your first Premier League goal for the club. Game on at the Emirates.
Arsenal attempt to regain the lead as Cazorla strikes a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but Krul gets down well to make the save. The resulting corner is taken by Walcott, but once more the delivery is poor and Simpson clears the danger. Wonderful atmosphere inside the ground with 30 minutes remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Walcott attempts to find Podolski in the penalty area, but the pass is just too long for the German and Krul comes out to collect the danger. Another chance comes as Wilshere lifts a high cross into the penalty area, but it is bundled clear.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle United (Podolski)
Arsenal have their third of the evening as Wilshere loops a cross into the penalty area and Podolski is on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range. What a wonderful spectacle of football. Are Newcastle going to be on the end of another high-scoring defeat?
Another half-chance for the home side as Koscielny meets a corner from Wilshere, but he can only head his effort wide of the post. It should be four. It is certainly not boring being a Newcastle fan this season, but I suspect that their supporters would rather see a few 1-0 victories. Little over 20 minutes of football to play.
GOAL! Arsenal 3-3 Newcastle United (Ba)
Oh my word. Newcastle level the scores once more as Marveaux fires a wonderful cross towards the back post and Ba is on hand to thump his effort home from close range. What on earth is happening here? Will we have another goal in the remaining 20 minutes?
End-to-end football at the moment as Wilshere attempts to dance between the Newcastle defence, but he is denied by Tiote at the final moment. Meanwhile, it appears that Giroud will soon join the action for the Gunners. Another half-chance for the home side as Podolski collects in the box, but he is crowded out at the vital moment.
GOAL! Arsenal 4-3 Newcastle United (Walcott)
Unbelievable. Walcott has his second of the match as he pounces on a loose cross from Gibbs before firing his effort into the top corner. What must Newcastle be feeling? Here comes the Arsenal change as Oxlade-Chamberlain is replaced by Giroud.
Different ground, same scoreline. Newcastle were beaten 4-3 by Manchester United on Wednesday and trail Arsenal by the same score here. Surely we will not have anymore goals in the final 15 minutes of this match? I would not bet against it. Neither side is interested in defending.
Half-chance for the away side as Bigirimana strikes a long-range effort, but it is straight at Szczesny and the Pole attempts to restart a counter attack for Arsenal. Giroud has his first touch as he collects in the box, but Perch clears the danger.
The match has just settled in the last couple of moments with Arsenal enjoying possession of the ball. Meanwhile, play stops for a minute or two as Perch receives treatment following a challenge by his own goalkeeper. Little over 10 minutes of football to play in this one.
Newcastle threaten to fashion a shooting opportunity as Cisse collects possession in the Arsenal penalty area, but the referee blows his whistle and the striker is penalised for handball. Walcott comes close to his third down the other end, but Krul just does enough to quell the threat.
Meanwhile, Arsenal make their second change of the evening as Aaron Ramsey replaces Podolski, who has had a productive 83 minutes of football. Newcastle also make a change as Shola Ameobi replaces Bigirimana. Is there late drama left to come?
Half-chance for Walcott to add his third of the match as he picks up possession on the edge of the box before curling his effort towards the bottom corner, but it is just deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is taken by Wilshere, but the danger is cleared.
GOAL! Arsenal 5-3 Newcastle United (Giroud)
Arsenal have their fifth of the match as Walcott whips a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Giroud is on hand to thump his header past Krul. Some evening for Walcott. Meanwhile, Arsenal make their final change as Cazorla is replaced by Francis Coquelin.
GOAL! Arsenal 6-3 Newcastle United (Giroud)
Incredible. Just incredible. Newcastle's defence has simply fallen apart in this second period. Giroud collects possession inside the penalty area before thumping his effort past Krul. Two for the French striker.
Newcastle make their final change of the evening as James Tavernier replaces Marveaux. It seems a long time ago that Ba levelled for the Magpies. They have conceded 10 goals in their last two matches. They have also scored six, but will have suffered two defeats.
It's not a tidy challenge from Santon as the Italian defender dives in on Giroud and he gains a yellow card for his troubles. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional five minutes of football. Newcastle cannot wait for this to end.
GOAL! Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle United (Walcott)
Walcott has his third of the evening as he ghosts through the Newcastle defence before chipping over the onrushing Krul. He has been simply sensational in this match. Arsenal surely must hand him a new contract.
Arsenal continue to dominate possession in the remaining moments of this match. We are just one short of the all-time record set by Reading and Portsmouth. Anyone remember that 7-4 match?! I would not rule that score out with little over one minute of football to play.
Giroud comes close to scoring his third as Walcott whips a low cross into the penalty area, but he thumps his effort off the post. The score was 1-1 at the interval. Wow.
Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle United
So there we have it. An incredible match is brought to an end with Walcott scoring three in a 7-3 win for Arsenal. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more Premier League football tomorrow. Until then!
