Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal: Giroud Grabs Goal As Gunners Grind Out Win

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League thanks to Olivier Giroud's second half glancing header in a tough examination at Newcastle United. The Toon more than matched Arsene Wenger's team here, but lost at St James' Park.

Both teams had spells in the ascendancy, but neither put together any meaningful goalmouth action early on. Moussa Sissoko's tame back post header was easily fielded by Gunners goalie Wojciech Szcesny. Jack Wilshere then blazed over from 25 yards for Arsenal.

Santi Cazorla curled straight at Toon keeper Tim Krul on half an hour and Per Mertesacker screwed wide late on in a goalless first half. Cheick Tiote was in the thick of tussles for the hosts, who came closest in stoppage time.

First Sissoko forced Szczesny from long range and Mathieu Debuchy saw his header hit the underside of the bar from the resulting corner. A similar pattern play followed in the second half, so clear cut chances remained something of a novelty.

Giroud finally broke the deadlock for Arsenal after 65 minutes. The French forward glanced in Theo Walcott's free kick amid static Newcastle defending. Walcott then went close to making it two for the Gunners. Debuchy headed clear off his own crossbar after the England winger had an initial attempt parried straight back into his path by Krul. Arsenal rode their luck late on, but held their lead as Loic Remy charged down Szczesny's clearance, but it rebounded just wide. Wenger's Gunners replace Manchester City in top spot once again going into the New Year. Defeat left Newcastle and Alan Pardew in seventh for the time being.