Olivier Giroud stars but Arsenal have to cling on against Newcastle

Arsenal were pushed all the way by a resurgent Newcastle as St James' Park but managed to claim all three points thanks to Oliver Giroud’s two first-half goals.

Giroud showed quick reactions to score his first, with 24 minutes played, using his knee to divert Danny Welbeck’s flick-on into the net.

The Gunners were clearly inspired by their breakthrough and surged forward for a second, which Giroud claimed just three-and-a-half minutes later as he outmuscled Williamson from a corner to nod in.

The home fans were incensed by their side's weak defending but were thrilled by the effort shown in the second-half once Moussa Sissoko had stroked the ball in from the edge of the area after Remy Cabella’s cutback.

Sissoko forced an excellent reaction save from David Ospina, flicking on Williamson’s initial header, while Cabella will feel he should have had a penalty for a foul by Laurent Koscielny with 15 minutes remaining.

The result puts keeps Arsenal one point behind Manchester City in third, while Newcastle have been overtaken by Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace in 12th.

24’ – GOAL! Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal. Olivier Giroud is in the form of his life and he has another goal here. Cazorla's free-kick into the box is flicked on by Welbeck and the Frenchman is alert enough to divert it past Krul with his knee.

28’ – GOAL! Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal. It's two goals in three-and-a-half minutes for Arsenal and two for Olivier Giroud. From Arsenal’s latest corner, the Frenchman completely outmuscles Williamson and nods into the net from close range.

48’ – GOAL! Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal. That is exactly the start to the second-half that Newcastle were looking for as Sissoko fires home from the edge of the area after Cabella's cutback from the right. Excellent finish.

50’ – CHANCE: Ospina is scrambling again as Perez bends a shot towards the far post from 25 yards out but sends it just wide. That was close.

64’ – CHANCE: Newcastle win a corner on the right and it's driven to the back post. Williamson wins the initial header which Sissoko flicks on, forcing an outstanding reaction save from Ospina.

81’ – PENALTY SHOUT: The home fans are screaming for a penalty as Cabella goes down in the area after a touch from Koscielny. Nothing given.

Arsenal have now won seven Premier League games in a row against Newcastle.

Olivier Giroud has scored eight times in his last six Premier League appearances against Newcastle.

Newcastle have won just four of their last 40 games against Arsenal in all competitions.

Just how good is Olivier Giroud? The Frenchman’s form since his horror-show against Monaco has been outstanding, scoring against Everton, QPR, West Ham, Monaco and now Newcastle. Critics will say that he is only affective against weaker sides but if he can maintain this form, he will surely be Arsenal’s first-choice striker when next season kicks off.

Olivier Giroud (Arsenal): Although Moussa Sissoko was outstanding for Newcastle as they pressed for an equaliser, Giroud’s sharpness in the box was the key to the result as Arsenal kept up the pressure at the top. As divisive as Giroud is, Arsene Wenger will be delighted to have him at the club.

Newcastle: Krul 6, R.Taylor 6, Janmaat 7, Williamson 6, Colback 7, Anita 6, Sissoko 8, Cabella 7, Gouffran 6, Ameobi 7, Perez 7. Subs: Gutierrez 7, Armstrong 6.

Arsenal: Ospina 7, Chambers 6, Gabriel 7, Koscielny 7, Monreal 6, Coquelin 7, Ramsey 7, Alexis 6, Cazorla 6, Welbeck 7, Giroud 8. Subs: Bellerin 6, Flamini 6, Rosicky 6.