Newcastle vs Arsenal LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League clash as Fabian Schar own goal seals win

Arsenal moved back within one point of Manchester City following an entertaining encounter with Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

The home side started quickly and threatened to take the lead early on as Jacob Murphy struck the post inside two minutes before a penalty kick overturned following a VAR decision. Arsenal looked shaky and there for the taking but Newcastle couldn’t capitalise on their momentum.

Martin Odegaard then changed the game after being set up by Jorginho and slotting a 20-yard strike into the bottom right corner just before the quarter-hour mark. From there the Gunners’ settled into a nice rhythm and created more chances of their own. Both sides struck the woodwork but it was Arsenal who led at half-time.

Revitalised after the break, Alexander Isak headed a chance onto the post but Aaron Ramsdale denied Fabian Schar from close range but it wasn’t to be for Newcastle. An Arsenal counter-attack saw Gabriel Martinelli drive into the left side of the box and play over a square pass. Schar did his best to deflect the ball but sent it into his own net to double Arsenal’s lead.

With a two-goal cushion the Gunners saw out the game and kept their hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy alive.

Relive the action as Newcastle hosted Arsenal in the Premier League:

Newcastle vs Arsenal

• Arsenal defeat Newcastle to move within one point of Premier League leaders Man City

• Martin Odegaard lives up to Arsenal captain’s legend to inspire title revival

• 71’ GOAL! - Schar pokes in an own goal to give Arsenal a cushion (NEW 0-2 ARS)

• 49’ SAVE! - Ramsdale palms away Schar’s close-ranged header (NEW 0-1 ARS)

• 48’ POST! - Isak finds the woodwork early in the second half (NEW 0-1 ARS)

• 27’ SAVE! - Ramsdale denies Willock with a solid hand (NEW 0-1 ARS)

• 14’ GOAL! - Odegaard’s effort from range gives Gunners the lead (NEW 0-1 ARS)

• 9’ NO PENALTY! - VAR gives Arsenal a reprieve (NEW 0-0 ARS)

• 7’ PENALTY! - Kiwior is punished for handball (NEW 0-0 ARS)

• 2’ POST! - Murphy hits the woodwork with Newcastle’s first attack (NEW 0-0 ARS)

Newcastle United FC 0 - 2 Arsenal FC

FT Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:52 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard: “We showed something special here today. To come here and win is not easy. We had to be very smart and to be ugly at times. It is a big step for a young team like ours to come here and do the things we did. It shows we have come a long way.

“Last year here was one of the toughest days of my career, to be honest. After dropping points against Man City, to win against Chelsea and then come here and win shows the mentality. We have to keep going and digging in and fight until the end. It is football, anything can happen and we need to be ready.”

FT Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:49 , Mike Jones

Aaron Ramsdale is only the third different goalkeeper to record 10 away clean sheets in a single Premier League season, after Petr Cech (11 in 2004/05 & 10 in 2008/09) and Ederson (11 in 2018/19 & 10 in 2021/22).

FT Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:46 , Mike Jones

Gabriel Martinelli won five tackles today against Newcastle, while Bukayo Saka won four; both figures are personal bests for each player in the Premier League.

FT Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:43 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have benefitted from four own goals in the Premier League this season, the joint-most of any side along with Brighton and Liverpool.

All four of these own goals have been scored in away matches.

FT Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:40 , Mike Jones

FT Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:32 , Mike Jones

Job done for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Full-time: Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:29 , Mike Jones

90+6 mins: Arsenal win the game! They weathered an early storm which saw Newcastle hit the post inside the opening couple of minutes but Martin Odegaard’s goal changed the game.

From their Arsenal settled down, they managed to control the game and in the second half got a second goal to end of hopes of a Newcastle comeback.

The Gunners stay second in the Premier League but now they’re only one point behind Manchester City who will need to respond when next they play.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:26 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Allan Saint-Maximin weaves his way into the box from the left and wins Newcastle a corner. The hosts are still pushing to score but the delivery comes straight to Aaron Ramsdale.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:23 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Six minutes of added time to play! Arsenal’s game management may come back to haunt them here, especially if Newcastle can score.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:20 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah replace Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka for Arsenal. The game should be won now. Newcastle haven’t been allowed to mount a comeback and that’s to Arsenal’s credit.

The Gunners have seen off a tricky side and should keep the pressure on Man City. Four minutes of the 90 to play.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:18 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Arsenal are making it a frustrating final few minutes for Newcastle. They’re going down, knocking the ball out of play, taking time out of the game.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:13 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli take their time walking off the pitch as Mikel Arteta makes a couple of changes. Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey replace them.

10 minutes plus stoppage time to go.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:12 , Mike Jones

77 mins: Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon have been brought on by Eddie Howe. Newcastle are flinging attackers onto the pitch to try and claw their way back into the match.

Callum Wilson and Joe Willock are off.

Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal

18:07 , Mike Jones

74 mins: Arsenal will be comfortable now. They’ve got a two goal lead with just over 15 minutes to play. That should be enough for Mikel Arteta’s men to see out this match.

GOAL! Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal (Schar OG, 71’)⚽️

18:06 , Mike Jones

71 mins: It’s a second for Arsenal! They sweep up the pitch on the counter attack with Gabriel Jesus sending the ball over to Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli drives down the left wing, cuts into the box and fizzes a pass into the six yard area.

Martin Odegaard is arriving at the back post so Fabian Schar sticks out a leg to block the ball. He does touch it but can’t get it under control and pokes it past Nick Pope.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

18:02 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Gabriel Jesus shoots from a tight angle and forces Nick Pope to turn the ball behind for an Arsenal corner. That’s the Gunners’ first shot on target in this half.

Saka swings in the corner but Pope is on hand to punch this one away.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:59 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Eddie Howe responds with a substitution of his own and introduces Miguel Almiron to replace Jacob Murphy. Almiron’s had a quiet second half to this season, can he pop up with an equaliser today?

Kieran Trippier swings a free kick into the box but Aaron Ramsdalw manages to nudge it away.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:56 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Oleksandr Zinchenko has had a few issues on Arsenal’s left side so Mikel Arteta replaces him with Kieran Tierney for the last half hour or so.

He’s a more defensive minded player and should limit the attacking presence of Jacob Murphy.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:52 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Brilliant from Granit Xhaka! Dan Burn goes on a storming run through midfield before sliding the ball into the box for Alexander Isak.

Isak slides the ball back to Joe Willock who lets it run across his body before hitting his shot... just as Xhaka leaps across and gets the block in!

He’s probably spared Arsenal from conceding an equaliser there.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:49 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Gabriel Jesus dances inside from the left wing and looks for an angle to shoot. He does get the ball away but a huge deflection sends the ball out for a corner.

Arsenal crowd around Nick Pope but the Newcastle goalkeeper manages to flap it away.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:47 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Sven Botman rolls over Bukayo Saka to take the ball away from the Arsenal forward. He looks to boot the ball clear but Jesus gets across and deflects it out for a throw in deep in Newcastle’s half.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:45 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Woodwork! Gabriel Jesus takes the ball down the left wing before flicking it past Kieran Trippier and finding Gabriel Martinelli in the box.

Martinelli checks to his right and shoots but fizzes the crossbar with his strong effort!

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:43 , Mike Jones

49 mins: Save! A corner for Newcastle is whipped into the box and finds Fabian Schar who rises above everyone else. Schar’s header is sent straight at the centre of goal but Aaron Ramsdale sticks out his right arm and somehow manages to scoop it away!

Huge save from the Arsenal goalkeeper.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:42 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Off the post! Kieran Trippier plays a nice ball down the right wing and sends it up to Jacob Murphy.

Murphy breezes past Oleksandr Zinchenko to get into the right side of the penalty area before lifting a decent cross into the middle.

Alexander Isak arrives and powers a header onto the near post where it rebounds to safety!

Second half: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:38 , Mike Jones

As things stand Arsenal are moving back to within one point of league leaders Man City. A defeat for Newcastle would give Liverpool more hope of finishing in the top four but their fate would still be in the Magpies’ hands.

Neither manager has made a change at the break so it’s as you were as Newcastle restart the game.

Arsenal set Mikel Arteta’s summer spending budget in fresh bid for Premier League title

17:34 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta will have a budget of over £150m for the summer, through club funds and sales, as the Arsenal manager seeks to further hone his squad for another Premier League title challenge.

Arteta’s priority is a midfielder, with West Ham United’s Declan Rice the main target, but the manager is also looking for a forward who can move into the centre, and a defender. Those arrivals will be complemented by sales, with Arsenal willing to listen to offers for Kieran Tierney, Reiss Nelson, Falorin Balogun, Nuno Tavares and Nicolas Pepe.

Arteta believes Arsenal have pushed themselves to the limit this season, but that the exacting nature of the title challenge has given him further insight into where his squad is short. Of particular note has been how the team have adapted to certain absences, with William Saliba’s recent injury proving so crucial.

Arsenal set Mikel Arteta’s summer spending budget in fresh bid for title

HT Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:30 , Mike Jones

In Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard (both 15 goals) Arsenal have had two players score 15+ goals in a single Premier League season for the very first time.

HT Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:26 , Mike Jones

Half-time: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:22 , Mike Jones

45+5 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half and Arsenal take a slender lead into the break. Martin Odegaard’s strike was a beauty and it’s the only thing separating these teams.

Will their be more goals in the second half? You’d think so.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:19 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: Newcastle win a free kick just inside Arsenal’s half. The home side throw men up the pitch as Kieran Trippier floats the ball into the box.

Fabian Schar wins the header but nods it straight into the hands of Aaron Ramsdale.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:16 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Five minutes of added time to play before the end of this half. Can Newcastle get themselves an equaliser before the break?

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:13 , Mike Jones

42 mins: This first half has slowly swung in Arsenal’s favour. Jorginho has been the conductor in midfield, linking play and organisining the back line.

Newcastle need another burst of energy and intensity before half-time.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:11 , Mike Jones

39 mins: Dan Burn has had a job to do keeping Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus quiet as the Arsenal forwards seem to be targeting him.

The big defender has been up to the task so far but has given away a few fouls.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:07 , Mike Jones

36 mins: Jacob Murphy lifts a decent cross into the box for Newcastle from the right wing. Aaron Ramsdale comes out to catch the ball but jumps into Bruno Guimaraes and spills.

The referee lets play go on and luckily for Arsenal the ball comes to one of their defenders and gets booted clear.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:05 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Gabriel Martinelli has the chance to shoot for Arsenal but decides to set up Bukayo Saka instead and sees his backheel pass intercepted.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

17:00 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Both goalkeepers have made solid saves to keep this match interesting, it could easily be 3-3 if the finishing was slightly better from the forwards.

Gabriel Jesus takes on Dan Burn and wins Arsenal a corner.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

16:58 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Save! What a game this is.

Alexander Isak sends the ball into the middle where Joe Willock gives it to Joelinton. The midfielder picks out Callum Wilson on the edge of the box where flicks it back over to the arriving Willock.

Willock shoots from the left side of the penalty area but Aaron Ramsdale gets his hand down and palms the effort clear!

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

16:55 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Chance! Another threaded pass from midfield cuts Newcastle open and it’s Bukayo Saka who is played in on goal this time. He takes the ball to the left side of the box before taking his shot.

It’s straight at Nick Pope and the Newcastle goalkeeper is up to the challenge and keeps it out.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

16:53 , Mike Jones

23 mins: For all of Newcastle’s intent to score the best two chances have fallen to Arsenal. Odegaard scored one and Martinelli should have bagged the second.

The Gunners are slowly imposing themselves on Newcastle now, they’re seeing more possession in midfield.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

16:52 , Mike Jones

20 mins: Save! Arsenal come again and it’s Martin Odegaard who makes the chance. After a number of passes around the back the ball comes to the Arsenal captain who spins towards goal and slips a pass into the right side of the box.

Gabriel Martinelli pops up on the end of it and pokes a shot towards goal but Nick Pope drops low this time and sticks out his right leg to deny the visitors a second goal.

Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

16:47 , Mike Jones

17 mins: That opening goal came against the run of play but it doesn’t look as though it’ll be the only goal in this game. Newcastle are threatening with every attack and the Gunners have plenty of firepower too.

GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal (Odegaard, 14’)⚽️

16:46 , Mike Jones

14 mins: Arsenal lead! They’ve been under the pump but a free kick allows them to get men up the pitch. Dan Burn clears the initial ball but the Gunners manage to recycle it.

Bukayo Saka can’t find a way into the box from the right so sends it inside where the ball comes to Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard is about 20 yards out and lets fly with his left foot. The shot flies through a defender’s legs meanign Nick Pope sees it late. He leaps to his left but can’t reach the ball as it nestles into the bottom corner!

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

16:42 , Mike Jones

12 mins: It took a couple of minutes to come to the decision not to award the penalty which should have settled Arsenal a little. Newcastle have had two or three big chances already and look hungry for more.

NO PENALTY!

16:41 , Mike Jones

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

9 mins: Arsenal have a reprieve! The ball struck Jakub Kiwior’s leg first before bouncing up onto his hand. The Newcastle fans aren’t happy but it’s the correct decision.

Penalty to Newcastle!

16:38 , Mike Jones

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

7 mins: Bruno Guimaraes fizzes a shot into the penalty area after receiving the ball from a Newcastle corner. Jakub Kiwior blocks the effort with his right hand and all the home players appeal for a penalty.

The referee points to the spot and VAR will take a look at this one.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

16:37 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Arsenal attempt to exert some control on the match through Jorginho who is confident in possession. He orchestrates the defence to send the ball over to the right wing where Bukayo Saka tries to weave around Dan Burn and gets fouled.

The home fans are making a lot of noise. They like the aggressive start Newcastle have made.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

16:34 , Mike Jones

4 mins: Newcastle have started as the more electric and aggressive side. They’re bullying Arsenal off the ball and flying up the pitch with pace.

The Gunners just need to weather this early storm.

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

16:33 , Mike Jones

2 mins: Off the post! Newcastle win the ball in the middle of the pitch and break out for their own half with a pass out to Joe Willock on the left side.

He storms down the line and whips over a lovely cross that comes to Jacob Murphy.

Murphy has time and space to check onto his left foot and smoke a shot to the far bottom corner but his effort rattles into the woodwork and bounces away!

Kick off: Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

16:31 , Mike Jones

Arsenal get the ball rolling at St. James’ Park. They work it over to the left side where Joelinton leaps up and wins the aerial ball but his nod down gives the ball back to the Gunners who send it back to the defence.

Pre-match thoughts from Eddie Howe

16:28 , Mike Jones

“We are going to have to be very good out of possession. Our performance is going to be in our defending, whether that is pressing or defending deeper, we are going to have to be very good because they have got outstanding players and a really good way of playing.

“We’re at home so we want to play a certain way here, we want to involve the crowd. The best way to do that is to show our intent to win, whether we are in or out of possession.”

Newcastle vs Arsenal

16:25 , Mike Jones

Newcastle have conceded 27 Premier League goals this term, fewer than any other side – though they have only kept one clean sheet in their previous 13 league games.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

16:20 , Mike Jones

Gabriel Jesus’ midweek goal against Chelsea means he has scored in 55 Premier League matches and never ended on the losing side when doing so (won 50, drawn five), surpassing the record held by James Milner.

Pre-match thoughts from Mikel Arteta

16:18 , Mike Jones

“We keep digging like we have done every single day, every single game, trying to get the best out of the players and be the team that we are. Today we are going to have a very difficult challenge ahead of us but we’re looking forward to it.”

Newcastle vs Arsenal

16:15 , Mike Jones

Callum Wilson’s tally of 15 Premier League goals is the most by a Newcastle player in a single season since Demba Ba netted 16 in 2011/12.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

16:10 , Mike Jones

Newcastle are unbeaten in each of their 12 league games against London sides this season, scoring a total of 27 goals and conceding just seven.

Can they add to their win tally against London clubs this afternoon?

Newcastle vs Arsenal

16:05 , Mike Jones

Arsenal are the only club to boast three players with at least 20 Premier League goal involvements this season - Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Arteta on facing Newcastle

16:00 , Mike Jones

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, says his team will attempt to impose themselves on Newcastle this afternoon but he admits his players will have to earn the right to play.

“We will try to play the game that we want, and they will want to play a very different game, that’s for sure.” sais Arteta, “That was the battle when we played them at Emirates Stadium, I think we deserved to win the game.

“There are things that are obviously going to be different from the last game and we’re going to have to be better to earn the right to win it.”

Newcastle vs Arsenal

15:55 , Mike Jones

Newcastle are unbeaten in all nine of their top-flight matches on a Sunday this season, winning six of those fixtures.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

15:50 , Mike Jones

Arsenal are without a victory in their last three away league games (two draws, one defeat), failing to win as many times as they did in their opening 14 top-flight fixtures on the road this season (11 wins, tow draws, one loss).

Newcastle vs Arsenal

15:45 , Mike Jones

The players and coaches are arriving at St. James’ Park ahead of kick off at 4.30pm. This one is set to be a blinding encounter between two of the best teams in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

15:40 , Mike Jones

Newcastle have won eight of their last nine Premier League games, including each of the last three, scoring a total of 13 goals in those three victories.

Will they be victorious against the Gunners today?

Newcastle vs Arsenal team changes

15:35 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe makes one change to his Newcastle team and brings Callum Wilson in to start ahead of Anthony Gordon. Alexander Isak will partner Wilson in the front line.

For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has also made just one change. Gabriel Martinelli starts in place of Leandro Trossard. Gabriel is fit to play in defence.

Newcastle vs Arsenal line-ups

15:31 , Mike Jones

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Wilson

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

Eddie Howe not losing sleep over Liverpool’s bid to deny Newcastle top-four spot

15:25 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe insists he is not losing any sleep over Liverpool’s bid to deny Newcastle a place in the Premier League top four.

Jurgen Klopp’s men, who are responsible for two of the third-placed Magpies’ four league defeats to date this season, have belatedly put together a consistent run of form, winning each of their last five matches to close to within six points.

That gap could have been reduced to just three points – albeit with the Reds having played two games more – by the time Howe’s side runs out to face Arsenal on Sunday with the chasing pack mounting a late sprint.

Eddie Howe not losing sleep over Liverpool’s bid to deny Newcastle top-four spot

Newcastle vs Arsenal

15:20 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have kept 29 clean sheets against Newcastle in the Premier League - no side has kept more against a single opponent in the competition’s history.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

15:15 , Mike Jones

Newcastle are vying to win three consecutive Premier League home games against Arsenal for the first time since 1996.

The Magpies drew 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium in January and could avoid defeat in both Premier League meetings against Arsenal in a single season for the first time since 2010/11.

Xhaka remembers last season’s Newcastle defeat

15:10 , Mike Jones

Both of these clubs are vying for places in the Champions League next year which is a contrast to this time last season. Newcastle were fending off relegation and their win over the Gunners ended Arsenal’s chances of playing in Europe’s top competition.

Granit Xhaka reflected on that defeat saying: “It was a very painful day, I hope we’re a different team now. We’re in a different position as well - we have respect for Newcastle because what they’re doing is amazing and nobody would have expected that from them, but maybe [the same for] us as well before the season.

“We know how strong they are, they’re stronger than last season, that’s for sure. At home when we played against them, we had the better chances and were the better team, but they are very organised.

“They know exactly what they are doing with a great coach as well, and we have to be 100 per cent focused. Hopefully with luck, with our intensity and with our level, we can beat them.”

Eddie Howe has no doubts Anthony Gordon will become ‘a top player’ for Newcastle

15:05 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe is convinced Anthony Gordon will be a top player for Champions League-chasing Newcastle despite another early withdrawal against Southampton.

The £45million January signing was handed just his third start for the club in Sunday’s 3-1 comeback victory over the Saints which tightened their grip on third place, but made way at half-time for striker Callum Wilson.

Gordon, 22, had earlier passed up two good opportunities to score, including clipping the post with a 19th-minute effort after beating keeper Alex McCarthy, although Howe was happy with his contribution since his arrival from Everton and is expecting much, much more from him in the future.

Eddie Howe has no doubts Anthony Gordon will become ‘a top player’ for Newcastle

Arsenal have their confidence back says Xhaka

15:00 , Mike Jones

After four league games without a win (three draws, one defeat) Arsenal battered Chelsea 3-1 last time to get back to winning ways. That result has sent a new wave of confidence through the squad and midfielder Granit Xhaka says the team is ready to face Newcastle today.

“If I’m honest it’s crazy how quickly football can change.” said Xhaka, “After the four games we didn’t win maybe confidence was a little bit down, but then you have a great chance to play against Chelsea and show a reaction and I think that reaction was very good.

“Straight away, the next day you see the confidence is back but it is just the first step after the four games we didn’t win. Hopefully we can do that for the next four games as well.”

Will Newcastle play two up front?

14:55 , Mike Jones

Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak are both in fantastic form for Newcastle and there is a clammering for manager Eddie Howe to play both of them alongside each other against Arsenal today.

“It’s not the first time the temptation has been there to play them together.” said the Magpies boss,

“When you’re analysing the next game, you have to analyse the opponents, yourselves and pick the best team to try and win the game. That won’t be any different this weekend.

“I’ve talked about lots of different scenarios but, ultimately, my end decision has to be what does the team need rather than what Callum or Alex need. It’s up to me to make the right call.”

Eddie Howe praises Callum Wilson for response to Newcastle squad rotation

14:50 , Mike Jones

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has praised Callum Wilson’s emphatic response to the challenge presented to him by record signing Alexander Isak.

The 31-year-old England striker has plundered eight goals in his last seven games, four of them from the bench with Howe having rotated the former Bournemouth frontman and his £60million summer capture in the face of a gruelling schedule.

Wilson, whose form was questioned in some quarters following his return from the World Cup finals, has twice been rested in the game after scoring two goals as a starter, but has channelled his frustration in exactly the way Howe hoped he would.

Eddie Howe praises Callum Wilson for response to Newcastle squad rotation

Newcastle vs Arsenal prediction

14:45 , Mike Jones

Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea was a much needed return to winning ways but they will be fearful of another slip up against a strong Newcastle side who look determined to secure Champions League football next season.

Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal

Newcastle vs Arsenal predicted line-ups

14:40 , Mike Jones

Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Wilson, Almiron.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Jorginho; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus.

What is the early team news?

14:35 , Mike Jones

Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles’s season has been ended by a calf injury, but Eddie Howe could have Sean Longstaff and Allan Saint-Maximin available for Arsenal’s visit. Callum Wilson’s double against Southampton might earn him a start.

Mikel Arteta brought in young defender Jakub Kiwior for the game against Chelsea, and the centre half is likely to retain his place. Gabriel, his likely partner, came off with an injury towards the end of that encounter but is set to be able to play.

How to watch Newcastle vs Arsenal

14:30 , Mike Jones

Newcastle vs Arsenal is due to kick off 4.30pm BST on Sunday 7 May at St. James’ Park in Newcastle.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the latter channel from 3.30pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via Sky Go.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

12:32 , Mike Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of this afternoon’s Premier League action as Newcastle host Arsenal. This top of the table clash is set to be an intriguing encounter with both teams in decent form and scoring goals freely.

Newcastle are probably slight favourites with home advantage and having scored 13 goals in their last three league games but the Gunners have been a force of nature all season and want to end the season in the best way they can.

For Eddie Howe’s side, this match is an opportunity to move one step closer to a place in next season’s Champions League as three points would all but secure them a finishing spot in the top four.

Arsenal, meanwhile, still harbour hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy. That seems unlikely as Manchester City have a four point lead on the Gunners but should Mikel Arteta’s men win all of their remaining fixtures they will push City right to the end of the season.

Who will come out on top today?