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It’s goalless at half-time between two of the Premier League‘s most in-form sides. Arsenal, who can go 10 points clear at the summit with another victory, started well and had chances through Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka. Newcastle have halted their progress since then though, with five yellow cards shown in an ill-tempered first 45 minutes.
Mikel Arteta’s side are facing a serious test against Newcastle, who are only two points behind City in third after an incredible rise under Eddie Howe and their wealthy new ownership. The visitors saw a run of six straight top-flight wins ended by Leeds on New Year’s Eve, but they are unbeaten in 12.
Arteta has gone with the same side that beat Brighton, Emile Smith Rowe not yet ready to be involved after four months out, while Callum Wilson is fit to lead the line for the visitors. Follow Arsenal vs Newcastle live below, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium.
Live updates
80 mins: As close as Arsenal have come since the break!
Martinelli makes the run across his man at the near post, flicks it on brilliantly but it flies inches wide of the back post.
Nobody was there following in… they would have had a tap-in.
78 mins: Arsenal corner swung in, Pope makes a bit of a mess of it but Xhaka can’t react in time at the back post.
It’s swung back in by Saka, flicked on by Willock as he looks to clear it and it’s behind for another corner.
76 mins: There is that Arsenal change, Tomiyasu on for White.
Arteta continues to prowl around on the touchline, he is going to absolutely erupt if Arsenal can find a later winner.
73 mins: There really has been nothing in the way of clear-cut chances for either side since the break.
Saka is down again holding his face, caught by Joelinton this time. Arteta is about to turn to his bench… Tomiyasu coming on.
71 mins: Long ball out to Saka, too much on it and straight out of play. Arsenal can’t really get anything going.
Says a lot about his options that Arteta still hasn’t turned to his bench. Vieira the likely one to come on, maybe Tierney for some direct runnong on the left.
68 mins: Double change for Newcastle.
Wilson and Almiron the two to make way, in their own sweet time. Almiron and Wood introduced.
66 mins: Good work from Gabriel, strong challenge as Wilson looks to turn him.
Sets Arsenal away on the attack again, Saka running at Burn and plays it inside to Odegaard… too much on it.
The Gunners are starting to sustain their attacks though, Newcastle struggling to get out.
63 mins: Back underway, as Martinelli cuts inside and curls an effort at goal. Easy enough for Pope.
The Brazilian has been fairly quiet since the opening 15 minutes or so. A lot of Arsenal’s best moments have come down the opposite flank.
62 mins: Another stoppage in play, another Arteta team-talk on the touchline.
Saka is down after getting a stray hand from Burn in the mouth. Should be fine to continue.
59 mins: And Almiron into the book too for edging forward in the wall. Referee very much not in control of the match you feel.
Free-kick falls for Zinchenko on the edge of the box, optimistic volley attempt is launched straight up.
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