Arsenal have returned to the top of the Premier League after beating Newcastle United 1-0 at St James' Park.

Newcastle had a chance early on when Moussa Sissoko headed an effort at the back post straight into the hands of Wojciech Szczesny.

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Theo Walcott worked a good opening for himself moment later, but fired an effort from 20 yards high over the bar.

The visitors were being forced into a number of efforts from outside the area, and Santi Cazorla was next to test the keeper, but saw his effort saved.

In first-half stoppage time, Sissoko almost gave Newcastle the lead, but his powerful attempt was pushed over by Szczesny.

From the resulting corner, Mathieu Debuchy saw his header come back off the bar, as the half finished goalless.

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In the 65th minute Arsenal took the lead, as Olivier Giroud headed Walcott's free kick into the net.

The Gunners nearly scored a second soon after, but Walcott saw his close range effort saved by Krul, before his follow up was cleared off the line by Debuchy.

Szczesny almost gifted Newcastle an equaliser when his poor clearance was struck at Loic Remy, but fortunately for the keeper, the ball cannoned wide of the post.

Newcastle put the visitors under constant pressure late on, but they could not find a goal, and Arsenal held on to claim three vital points.