Arsenal edged Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
In an entertaining affair in wet conditions in North London, Arsene Wenger's Gunners moved two points clear at the top of the table thanks to Laurent Koscielny's second-half goal.
The Frenchman volleyed home a header from Olivier Giroud after the Magpies defence failed to clear Mesut Ozil's corner to give Arsenal a second win in a row.
Steve McClaren's side had the better of the chances but could not break down Arsenal's solid defence with goalkeeper Petr Cech in top form with six saves, namely a pair of one-on-one stops against Georginio Wijnaldum.
Arsenal are now clear of second-placed Leicester City as the Toon sit 18th after s third successive defeat
MATCH OVERVIEW
Arsenal: 1 (Laurent Koscielny 72')
Newcastle United: 0
Emirates Stadium, London - 59,257
TALKING POINTS
- Arsenal's title chase continues along nicely with a strong defensive effort. Can they mix that with their usual free-flowing game to clinch an elusive premiership?
- Newcastle were very impressive and we probably unlucky not to score. Does McClaren have plenty to work with for the rest of the season?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Arsenal take on Sunderland in the FA Cup 3rd round on Saturday before the league clash with Liverpool next Wednesday.
Newcastle head to Watford for their cup fixture on the weekend prior to Tuesday's home meeting with Manchester United.
TWITTER INSIGHT
First win of the yearWell done to the team!Great support from the fans!!Happy New Year everyone #arsenal#gunnerspic.twitter.com/DLjqyoZKdd
— Mathieu flamini (@Matflam) January 2, 2016Huge 3 points! Great way to start 2016!! Also nice to see I've made 50 appearances for #Arsenalpic.twitter.com/w7yjV5qANl
— Calum Chambers (@CalumChambers95) January 2, 2016Gutting defeat yesterday after such a good performance.Fantastic support as always from fans.Thank you and hope got all got back safe #NUFC
— Robert Elliot (@the_dilsh) January 3, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Arsenal's Wenger on the tight contest with the Magpies:
"It was a difficult game against a good Newcastle side.
"Our legs were a little bit heavy today, overall we were tested against a team that has a lot of technical quality."
Newcastle boss McClaren on his side's efficiency:
"We need to work hard in training and be more ruthless in front of goal.
"The goals will come. January has come and we will have a discussion about that - we are working hard behind the scenes."
