Good afternoon and welcome to our live text coverage of Arsenal v Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

Mesut Ozil’s stunning first-half strike is enough to provide Arsenal with a victory over struggling Newcastle as they return to the top four.

It wasn't a classic, but as far as Arsene Wenger is concerned it is job done.

Arsenal win a free-kick in their own penalty area to relieve some pressure.

Arsene Wenger yells at Bellerin to get himself back into a defensive position. The home side are determined to see this one out now...

They have FOUR minutes to find an equaliser. The nerves inside the Emirates are palpable.

Meanwhile, Xhaka is booked for a foul on Perez.

Can Newcastle muster up one final chance as we approach injury time?

Sanchez is replaced by Francis Coquelin for the last couple of minutes.

Arsenal counter through Ozil who feeds Giroud on the right but his shot is deflected and Elliot gathers.

Monreal hauls back Joselu to stop the Newcastle forward getting away from him and it is no surprise that Stuart Attwell books the Arsenal defender.

As it stands Arsenal will return to the top four as Brighton are holding Burnley to a goalless draw. Newcastle remain in 17th, but only on goal difference.

Third and final change for Newcastle as Merino is replaced by Mohamed Diame.

Ritchie curls a cross to the back post, Perez can only direct it over the bar.

Newcastle are piling on the pressure, they believe they can steal a point here!

Joselu is lined up for a shot from the edge of the box, but it takes a deflection off Koscielny which takes it inches wide of Cech's goal. Vital interception...

Newcastle win a free-kick which they will pump into the Arsenal box.

It is a complete waste however as Ritchie plays it short to Merino who overcooks his pass. Goal-kick to Arsenal.

Giroud climbs highest to reach Sanchez's cross and nods the ball back for Wilshere. However, he shoots straight at Elliot with the goal at his mercy.

Giroud was the hero for the Gunners last weekend when he came off the bench to rescue a point with a late equaliser at Southampton.

Can the Frenchman grab the goal needed to put the hosts out of sight here?

Wenger makes a double sub, with Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud replacing Lacazette and Iwobi.

Ozil tries to thread a pass through to the onrushing Lacazette but the pass is slightly overcooked and Newcastle survive.

Perez appears to have moved to the left now, with Gayle playing just ahead of Joselu.

Murphy has been Newcastle's most creative player but he is replaced by Dwight Gayle.

Great close control from Iwobi takes him into the penalty area but he can only produce a weak effort at goal which Elliot gathers gratefully.