Arsenal take spoils at St James’ as Newcastle see red

Though Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain attempted to inject some urgency with a miss-cued bicycle kick, the visitors finished the first half frustrated at their inability to pick the St James’ Park lock.

Vurnon Anita was another to see a cautionary yellow for hauling down Sanchez after the break, with Santi Cazorla and Georginio Wijnaldum soon following him into the book.

Arsenal finally found the target in the 52nd minute, as Fabricio Coloccini, a hero against Manchester United last time out, unluckily deflected a driving shot from Oxlade-Chamberlain into his own net.

Krul competently kept the Gunners at bay shortly after, with a superb close-range stop to keep out Sanchez, who threatened a second goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was then subsequently switched to the centre forward spot, with Walcott pushed out wide, before being substituted for Giroud in the 69th minute.

McClaren responded swiftly by shuffling his pack too, bringing on Ayoze Perez for added threat, though the striker was again placed on the wing.

Giroud gave the Gunners much more directness, but saw his shot saved by Krul, before the stopper was again called into action, quickly sprinting off his line to intercept a lurking Sanchez.

Arsenal continued to stroke the ball around with ease, threatening through Giroud late on, as the Magpies struggled to create any chances on the counter in the closing stages, providing Arsene Wenger with a crucial three points.