Vermaelen (90 +5)
Emirates Stadium
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 60,095)
Arsenal v Newcastle: Ben Arfa And Obertan Return
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Hatem Ben Arfa and Gabriel Obertan have been handed recalls to the Newcastle United starting line-up away at Arsenal tonight (8pm kick-off).
Following Ben Arfa's outstanding second-half cameo against Sunderland last weekend, and a goalscoring midweek appearance for Obertan in the Reserves, manager Alan Pardew has selected the French duo for the Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
Ben Arfa's last start came away at Blackburn Rovers in a victory at the beginning of February, while Obertan has been among the substitutes since United's heavy defeat at Tottenham midway through that month.
The pair replace Ryan Taylor, who is ruled out through a calf strain, and January signing Papiss Cisse, who takes a place on the substitutes' bench.
The switches in personnel should mean a slight change in formation for the Magpies, with Ben Arfa expected to be handed a free role in the hole behind lone striker and 16-goal top scorer Demba Ba.
Obertan will add his blistering pace to the right flank, and will join Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye and Jonas Gutierrez in the middle of the park, while a familiar back four and goalkeeper will consist of Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, captain Fabricio Coloccini and Davide Santon.
On the bench there is a return for teenage midfielder Haris Vuckic, whose one-month loan at Cardiff City has expired, while Dan Gosling is also included after netting for the Reserves on Thursday.
Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta is back after suffering from concussion, and replaces Gervinho. Among the replacents are Andre Santos, Aaron Ramsey and Yossi Benayoun, who have all been sidelined in recent weeks.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny; Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs; Alex Song, Mikel Arteta; Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Robin Van Persie (c)
Substitutes: Lukasz Fabianski, Andre Santos, Johan Djourou, Aaron Ramsey, Yossi Benayoun, Gervinho, Marouane Chamakh
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Gabriel Obertan, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez; Hatem Ben Arfa; Demba Ba
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, James Perch, Dan Gosling, Danny Guthrie, Haris Vuckic, Shola Ameobi, Papiss Cisse
Theo Walcott(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal).
Robin van Persie(Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.Tim Krul(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.
Goal by Thomas Vermaelen(Arsenal) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle. Assist by Aaron Ramsey(Arsenal) from centre of penalty area.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Laurent Koscielny(Arsenal) on Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) to centre, clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Shot by Theo Walcott(Arsenal) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Header by Thomas Vermaelen(Arsenal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), fantastic save (tipped over) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) to centre, shot by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Outswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Robin van Persie(Arsenal).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Bacary Sagna(Arsenal). Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) from right wing, shot by Aaron Ramsey(Arsenal) drilled left-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Danny Simpson(Newcastle). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) to near post, resulting in open play.
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) to near post, header by Thomas Vermaelen(Arsenal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Alex Song(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Robin van Persie(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) from left by-line, shot by Yao Gervinho(Arsenal) left-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Theo Walcott(Arsenal).
Newcastle substitution: Cheick Tiote replaced by Danny Guthrie (injury).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) on Bacary Sagna(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Weak shot by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) drilled right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Laurent Koscielny(Arsenal) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Laurent Koscielny(Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Arsenal substitution: Tomas Rosicky replaced by Aaron Ramsey (tactical).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) on Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Attacking throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Foul by Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) on Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Shot by Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), Arsenal substitution: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain replaced by Yao Gervinho (tactical).
Defending throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Foul by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) from own half, passed. Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.
Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Robin van Persie(Arsenal) caught offside. Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play. Newcastle substitution: Gabriel Obertan replaced by Shola Ameobi (tactical).
Shot by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(Arsenal) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Foul by Alex Song(Arsenal) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Shot by Theo Walcott(Arsenal) right-footed from left wing (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) volleyed right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), blocked by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle).
Foul by Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Theo Walcott(Arsenal). Free kick crossed left-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) from right wing, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Robin van Persie(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(Arsenal) volleyed right-footed from right channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Theo Walcott(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by James Perch(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Header by Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal) from right side of penalty area (6 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Shot by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from left channel (35 yards), save (caught) by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Newcastle substitution: Davide Santon replaced by James Perch (tactical).
Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Goal kick taken short by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Robin van Persie(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Bacary Sagna(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) from right wing, resulting in open play.
Foul by Cheick Tiote(Newcastle) on Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(Arsenal) to far post, shot by Theo Walcott(Arsenal) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Foul by Laurent Koscielny(Arsenal) on Demba Ba(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel, shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Laurent Koscielny(Arsenal). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Robin van Persie(Arsenal).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Foul by Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal) on Mike Williamson(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Davide Santon(Newcastle) on Theo Walcott(Arsenal). Free kick crossed left-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) from right channel, clearance by Mike Williamson(Newcastle).
Demba Ba(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Cross by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle).
Cross by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal), clearance by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Theo Walcott(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Kieran Gibbs(Arsenal).
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Foul by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(Arsenal). Free kick curled left-footed by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shot by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) left-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Robin van Persie(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle. Assist (cross) by Theo Walcott(Arsenal) from right wing.
Goal by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle. Assist (pass) by Gabriel Obertan(Newcastle) from right channel.
Cross by Theo Walcott(Arsenal), clearance by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Cross by Robin van Persie(Arsenal), shot by Theo Walcott(Arsenal) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Foul by Tomas Rosicky(Arsenal) on Cheick Tiote(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Foul by Robin van Persie(Arsenal) on Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) on Mikel Arteta(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mikel Arteta(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Foul by Demba Ba(Newcastle) on Thomas Vermaelen(Arsenal). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Thomas Vermaelen(Arsenal) from own half, passed.
Cross by Theo Walcott(Arsenal), resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny(Arsenal).
Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna(Arsenal).
Shot by Demba Ba(Newcastle) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Thomas Vermaelen(Arsenal). Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Robin van Persie(Arsenal) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.