Newcastle United 1 - 0 Arsenal

[Number9]

Good game, enjoyable to watch from my point of view. Arsenal seemed to dominate the first half. Gilberto Silva's sending off seemed to be a turning point in the game.

Well done Newcaslte. A good result for the team and under pressure manager, Graeme Souness.

Match Report From Sky Sports.

Nolberto Solano's late goal earned Newcastle a much-needed 1-0 win over ten-man Arsenal at St James' Park.

After a quiet opening the game burst to life in the second half amidst the collective harrowing of the home side and the buccaneering of Scott Parker.

Gilberto Silva's mis-placed frustration was palpable and he promptly received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

The sending-off swung the match in Newcastle's favour and Solano struck ten minutes from time to hand a huge boost to the under-fire GraemeSouness.

Despite the second half drama a cagey opening ensued - it took some 30 minutes before either goalkeeper made a save of any import.

But, when called upon, Shay Given was up to the task, spectacularly repelling Thierry Henry's close-range volley.

By that time Arsenal had also seen appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Dermot Gallagher after Gilberto's scuffed effort struck the arm of Titus Bramble although in Bramble's defence there appeared little intention on the part of the former Ipswich man.

Freddie Ljungberg was probing and prompting but Newcastle, for whom Michael Owen, was making a return could not create an opportunity worthy of the name.

The Magpies started the second period in much more confident fashion and bombarded Jens Lehmann and the visitor's defence with a series of high balls.

That pressure almost paid dividends but misses from Parker and Alan Shearer failed to reward the enlivened Magpies.

Shortly before the hour mark Gilberto was red-carded for a second bookable offence after a late challenge on Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Perhaps it was in retaliation to United's hussling but with a man less it left Arsene Wenger's side facing an uphill battle.

Parker almost took immediate advantage but shot over while, at the other end, Robin van Persie miskicked in front of goal after a surging run from Kolo Toure was dummied by Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas tested Given, who was comfortable, while a nasty-looking injury to Scott Parker brought a halt to the lively proceedings.

Parker, who appeared to lose a tooth in a collision with Toure was replaced by Lee Bowyer but unbowed the Geordies surged forward and Solano scored his first goal in his second spell at the club in the 82nd minute.

Shearer held the ball up despite pressure from Toure. The Magpies' captain then found the Peruvian in the inside right channel with Solano obliging with a right-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Owen could have put the result beyond any doubt but after trapping a long ball slipped at the vital moment.

The win sees Newcastle into the top ten but Arsenal slip further behind champions Chelsea.

[kennethlindheim]

Delighted for the lads...

They worked their socks off and earned the three points

Arsenal's away form is absolutely shocking, and they looked a shadow of themselves

Parker my MOM

Shearer was like a heavyweight boxer ; just bashing Arsenal left and right; he pounded Campbell around and bodyslammed Lauren; shades of the old Lion

Ramage had a very good game.

[hanuma]

i think rammage might just be better than carr at defending.
carr could find a place as a right winger though....he will be more of a threat than solan imo.

[Number9]

Originally Posted by kennethlindheim

Delighted for the lads...

They worked their socks off and earned the three points

Arsenal's away form is absolutely shocking, and they looked a shadow of themselves

Parker my MOM

Shearer was like a heavyweight boxer ; just bashing Arsenal left and right; he pounded Campbell around and bodyslammed Lauren; shades of the old Lion

Ramage had a very good game.

Parker was brilliant yesterday. Chased everything. He still played his heart out after getting knocked down.

[premfan]

Shearer is a dirty ******* that deserved to be sent off more than Gilberto!

[Number9]

I think the Shearer thing has been blown out of proportion. Gilberto.... unlucky to be sent off. The first yellow was maybe questionable, but I don't think he can complain about the second.

Shearer probably deserved a yellow earlier on for the push, but the Arsenal player wasn't completely innocent in that situation. Shearer eventually got his yellow, which was a well deserved booking.

[kennethlindheim]

In the match at Highbury the ref was against us. The wrongly sending Jenas off and not even booking Senderos for what should of been a red card when he pulled Dyer down when he was clean through...So it evens out.

[hanuma]

so with everyone fully fit what is your best XI?

[kennethlindheim]

----------------------------Given--------------------
Carr-------Boumsong-----------Taylor------------Babayaro

Dyer--------Parker-----------Emre-------------Luque

---------------Shearer---------Owen--------------------

+ Bramble,Ramage,N'Zogbia,Solano,Faye,Ameobi,Bowyer.

[toon22]

agree with most of that team but i would drop boumsong and play ramage in central defence

[Candide]

It's a shame Solano has to be on the bench. He's such a joy to watch.