Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text commentary of the FA Cup third round clash between Arsenal and Newcastle. Mikel Arteta's defending champions are heavy favourites to book their place in the fourth round of the competition having won their last three Premier League games. Steve Bruce, meanwhile, has been feeling the pressure since crashing out of the Carabao Cup to Brentford before Christmas, and although Premier League survival is Newcastle's priority, another cup defeat would only worsen the mood around St James' Park.
The Emirates FA Cup / 3rd Round
Emirates Stadium / 09.01.2021
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- E. Smith Rowe(110')
- P. Aubameyang(118')
Live
Live Updates
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Updated 09/01/2021 at 20:02 GMT
57'
Arsenal sub: Smith Rowe replaces Nelson.
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On
E. Smith Rowe
Arsenal
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Off
R. Nelson
Arsenal
56'
How does Carroll miss?! Newcastle win another free-kick in a wide area. Tierney's headed clearance is poor, Hendrick's shot falls to Carroll at the back post, and it looks a simple finish. However, the striker somehow pokes it wide from just yards out! The linesman's flag is raised, but the replay shows he's actually on, and it would have gone to VAR and counted had he scored. A real let off for Arsenal!
54'
Carroll really connects with an instinctive shot from distance. It may take a slight deflection on its way through, but Leno is alert and makes the stop.
52'
Pepe shoots well, well wide from 25 yards. His effort lacked conviction.
49'
Dummett delivers a free-kick and his cross finds Carroll, but the Newcastle forward can't keep his header down. If the visitors are to score tonight one would imagine it will come from a set-piece.
48'
Tierney blazes over from distance for Arsenal. Aside from Aubameyang's 25th minute shot, Dubravka has had almost nothing to do.
47'
Losing Lascelles is a blow to Newcastle. Bruce's side had been so disciplined in defence with their skipper back, but now there's a change in the system, with Ritchie going to left-back and Dummett moving to the left side of a back three.
2nd Half
46'
Kick-off! Arsenal get us underway in the second half, and there's a change in the Newcastle side, with Matt Ritchie replacing Lascelles.
End of 1st Half
HT
HT: The referee calls time on a drab first half. Arsenal have dominated possession but have barely laid a glove on the defensive-minded Newcastle.
45'+1
Yellow card! Cedric goes into the book for pulling back Almiron. There will be just the one minute of added time to play.
45'
It has been a long time since Newcastle have had any kind of possession. They're currently defending like it's the last 10 minutes of the match.
43'
Newcastle continue to hold firm as we approach half-time. With Saka and Smith Rowe on the bench, Arsenal are lacking a creative spark.
40'
Newcastle are dropping deeper and struggling to get out of their half, as they concede another corner. Arsenal work it short to Willian, who delivers the cross. Dubravka looks like he's going to punch it but Carroll beats his goalkeeper to it as he heads it clear.
37'
Tierney is causing Newcastle problems down the left flank as he lifts another cross into the penalty area. Dummett is taking no chances as he heads behind at the expense of a corner.
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35'
Arsenal, it appears, are finally starting to click as they step up their efforts to make the breakthrough.
33'
Important tackle! Pepe plays a lovely give-and-go with Aubameyang as he darts into the penalty area. Hayden races across, though, and makes an important challenge.
32'
Newcastle have been boosted by the return of Laschelles, who is well positioned to head clear Tierney's cross.
30'
Joelinton is perplexed as his cross is blocked by Pepe and the referee signals for an Arsenal goal-kick.
28'
Arsenal chance! Great play by Tierney, who, with a drop of the shoulder and a turn of pace, leaves Longstaff in his wake. He cuts it back into the penalty area, but Nelson takes a heavy touch and Newcastle scramble it clear.
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The best chance of the match so far by some distance...