Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is wary of facing an in-form Arsenal tonight.

The Gunners have won their last three games - against Tottenham, Liverpool and AC Milan - in thrilling style with striker Robin van Persie having scored four times in the process to take his tally for the campaign to 32.

Ameobi said: "He is the best striker, the best number nine - I say number nine, but he is playing as a number nine this season - there is at the moment.

"He is technically brilliant, a top, top-class player and he is banging in the goals.

"He is a real threat every time he is on the pitch, and it will be a pleasure to try to stop him on Monday night."