Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score; Alexandre Lacazette goal

Newcastle welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park hoping to secure their top-flight status.

Rafa Benitez’s side are currently 10th in the Premier League table on 38 points, 10 above the relegation zone.

Newcastle have lost only three of their last 14 league games, two of them to leaders Manchester City and the other to Champions League semi-finalists Liverpool, and are bidding for a fourth successive top flight win for the first time since November 2014.

Burnley’s victory over Leicester yesterday moved them to within two points of sixth-placed Arsenal.

NEWCASTLE 1-1 ARSENAL

67: Slimani is already causing Mustafi problems, and draws the centre-back into fouling him. The resulting free-kick falls to Ritchie, who belts a half-volley into the stands.

64: And here he comes. Dwight Gayle off, Islam Slimani on.

63: The lesser-spotted Islam Slimani is getting ready on the sidelines. The Algeria international will be making an appearance shortly. That should test Mustafi and Chambers in the air.

60: We’ve reached the hour-mark and this game is very much in the balance. Arsenal bossing those (unimportant) possession stats and Newcastle playing exclusively on the break.

57: Trickery from Kenedy results in the Chelsea loanee trying to thread Ritchie through but there’s a little too much mustard on the pass and Cech gathers.

54: More lofty balls forward from Shelvey. He keeps pinging them because they keep working. Perez controls the latest with Gayle in support but Chambers does well to usher him out.

51: Neither side has grabbed this one by the scruff of the neck since the break. Arsenal seeing more of the ball but not causing much trouble.

48: Iwobi, who is destined to never score again with his finishing lately, uses his hand to control a knock-down before firing over. Miles over.

45: And we’re back up and running at St James’ Park. Nemanja Vidic, who’s doing punditry for Sky Sports today, has just spent the majority of the half-time break destroying Shkodran Mustafi for his positioning. site entertaining, actually…

No changes for either side.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Jonny: Mustafi continues to underwhelm. He has made quite a few absolute howlers this season. Cech also looks very much on the decline. No matter how good the strikers, Arsenal will continue to struggle with such a porous defence.

James: Arsenal really should be ahead having played much better than usual away from home (in the Premier League) but defensive frailty has cost them the lead. Work to do.

Amrul: Diego Costa must be licking his lips at the prospect of contesting those long balls. Perez and Gayle must be the shortest players in the League and they are causing havoc for the Arsenal backline.

NEWCASTLE 1-1 ARSENAL

HT: Despite boasting over 60 per cent possession, Arsenal are level at the break. The visitors came out the traps quickly with Alexandre Lacazette’s goal, but Ayoze Perez’s clever finish leaves things delicately poised.

44: Diame with a catastrophic error. He passes straight to Lacazette, who decides to fizz it into Willock. The youngster can’t control and the chance goes begging. Why didn’t the Frenchman shoot?!

42: Chambers has a free header but sends it over from around eight yards. Two big chances for the defender in the space of five minutes.

41: Lejeune bundles Aubameyang to the floor and Arsenal have themselves a free-kick within shooting range.

Xhaka knocks it straight at the ball, but Elneny collects the rebound and drifts it over to Monreal. The full-back sends it across goal but Chambers arrives late to toe-poke wide.

38: Newcastle have pin-pointed Arsenal’s weakness. Shelvey is continually playing the long ball forward to Gayle, who could comfortably drive a bus between Mustafi and Chambers. CSKA did the same on Thursday, and Southampton did the same last weekend!

35: Perez gives Chambers the slip before cutting the ball back across the penalty area. Arsenal just about scramble clear.

Incidentally, Ayoze Perez has scored the 800th goal against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in the Premier League. Who scored the first? A certain Vinnie Jones in 1996…

32: Arsene Wenger must be tearing his hair out. The Gunners looked to comfortably have Newcastle at arm’s length, but a lapse in concentration has allowed the hosts to equalise. The Toon will fancy their chances now…

NEWCASTLE 1-1 ARSENAL – PEREZ

29: Ayoooooze Perez with the leveller!

Jonjo Shelvey is the architect. His perfect ball forward is collected by Dwight Gayle, who shifts it to Yedlin on the right flank.

The full-back, who I just took out of my fantasy football team, squares it for the onrushing Perez, who converts with a sweeping first-time finish.

27: Sight of goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from distance but he slips as he strikes the ball and it’s an easy take for Dubravka.

26: Alexandre Lacazette’s goal was the 100th that Arsenal have scored in all competitions this season; the 4th Premier League club to reach this landmark in 2017-18 (after Man City, Liverpool & Spurs).

25: Two great interventions from Shelvey to first deny Lacazette, and then Aubameyang when the Arsenal pair were looking to break.

22: Chance for Arsenal after Alex Iwobi turns well inside the box. He prods at goal but Martin Dubravka gathers.

19: Penalty appeal! Looked a good shout too. Aubameyang fires an effort at goal but it pings off Ritchie’s arm and over.

16: The Toon are unusually vulnerable at the back. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang embarks on a solo run and cuts inside before seeing his shot deflected over.

NEWCASTLE 0-1 ARSENAL – LACAZETTE

13: And there’s the breakthrough!

Arsenal have continued their brilliant Europa League form, and guess who combined for the goal?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang storms down the left flank before teeing up Alexandre Lacazette to volley home with a fine finish from eight yards.

Starting up front together for the first time…

12: Lejeune with an excellent long pass. Gayle picks it up and feeds Ritchie but his cross is cleared. Referee Anthony Taylor stops play to have a word with Kenedy, who went in high on Lacazette. No booking.

11: Kenedy, who Rafa Benitez is desperate to sign in the summer, has Newcastle’s first effort on goal but his long-ranger is easily gathered by Petr Cech.

9: Danger for Arsenal as Dwight Gayle skips away from his man but Rob Holding is well positioned to intercept as the striker threatened to get into the box.

6: Arsenal seeing a fraction more of the ball now, but their only chance has fallen to Lacazette, who skewed miles wide.

3: Very positive start from the hosts, who have harried Arsenal from the very first kick. Shelvey delivers a free-kick from the right, but Mustafi clears.

1: And we’re off! Newcastle need two points to secure Premier League survival, Arsenal just need to keep Burnley at arm’s length. My prediction? Draw…

TWO-MINUTE WARNING

13:28: Mark Knopfler’s ‘Local Hero’ is being pumped through the speakers at St James’ Park and there’s 45,000 screaming Geordies. That can only mean one thing. We’re almost underway…

NEWCASTLE vs ARSENAL

13:25: Quick reminder of those line-ups folks. Five minutes to go!

Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett, Ritchie, Diame, Shelvey, Kenedy, Perez, Gayle.

Subs: Darlow, Clark, Murphy, Slimani, Hayden, Manquillo, Joselu.

Arsenal XI: Cech, Chambers, Mustafi, Holding, Monreal, Xhaka, Elneny, Willock, Iwobi, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Welbeck, Maitland-Niles, Kolasinac, Nelson, Nketiah.

MUSIC TO TOON EARS

13:20: Rafael Benitez says he could happily stay at Newcastle for a decade – as long as the project is right.

The 57-year-old Spaniard celebrated an eventful two years at the St James’ Park helm in March and has 12 months remaining on his existing contract.

Asked if his assertion in a television interview last year that the could stay at the club for 10 years was realistic or possible, he said: “Yes. What I say is you need a project. I like to work with young players, I like to improve young players, but I like to win. I want to be competitive and I want to win.

“You have to have a mix of young players and players with experience – that means you have to spend some money because if not, you cannot compete now and win something.”

EVERYBODY LOVES ELNENY

13:15: It’s not quite got the same rings as Everybody Loves Raymond, but I get where Arsene Wenger is coming from.

The Egypt international has taken on a more pivotal role in recent weeks, especially in the Europa League where he has featured in all of the Gunners’ games.

“He a super-popular player and everybody inside the club loves him,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

“But he’s not only loved, he is also a very good player and he showed that in Moscow. He works hard and is generous.”

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Matt: Nice to see Joe Willock being given a chance. Hope he has a chance to challenge Mesut Ozil for the No.10 role!

Jon: Nothing better than seeing a young Arsenal player make his Premier League debut. Good luck to Joe Willock, on what will hopefully be an angst-free debut…

Sax: Arsene Wenger will never win, you know that. He plays key players too much – why no rotation. He rests key players after games and leading up to games – why rest them. Give him a break!

RAFA REVIVAL

13:05: Rafael Benitez has called on his Newcastle players to deliver the same performance they did against Manchester United to see off Arsenal and ease themselves past the 40-point mark.

On February 11, the Magpies ignited their Premier League survival bid when Matt Ritchie’s goal secured a 1-0 victory over United at St James’ Park, and they have barely looked back since.

Last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Leicester took them into 10th place on 38 points, 10 above the drop zone and just two shy of Benitez’s target for the campaign.

“We have to approach the game in the same way that we did against Manchester United, against Southampton or the last games, the mentality of the team, the intensity of the game, but from the first minute until the last minute,” Benitez said.

JOE WHO?

13:00: What’s the skinny on Joe Willock? I’m glad you asked.

Willock, 18, is an attacking midfielder who can also operate on either flank.

The England Under-19 international has played nine games for Arsenal this season, all of which came in either the Carabao Cup, Europa League or FA Cup.

He’s one of three brothers to all come through Arsenal’s academy. Chis joined Benfica last year, while Matty is on the books at Manchester United.

Now that’s a talented family.

BEWARE THE CLARETS

12:55: On May 2, 2016, Sam Vokes headed Burnley back into the top flight. Yesterday, they beat Leicester at Turf Moor to move to within two points of sixth-placed Arsenal.

It really has been an incredible ride for Sean Dyche’s men, who have left the Gunners knowing they have little margin for error against an in-form Newcastle today.

Strange days folks, strange days.

NOT GREAT…

12:50: Despite Sky Sports showing a replay of Newcastle’s famous 4-4 draw with Arsenal in 2011, the Toon haven’t exactly enjoyed themselves against today’s opponents.

The Magpies have lost their last 10 league games against the Gunners.

Their last home league win against Arsenal was on 10 December 2005, when Nolberto Solano scored the only goal.

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Manav: I understand resting key players, but the Atletico Madrid game is 11 days away, surely they could be on the bench to keep the momentum going!

Chris: We should be playing Reiss Nelson, but I love that we’re playing Aubameyang and Lacazette together. It’s just a shame it’s without Ozil to create for them.

Mark: Callum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi, what could possibly go wrong…

TEAM NEWS – ARSENAL

12:40: I didn’t see that coming.

Not only has Arsene Wenger started Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang together, he’s also handed a Premier League debut teenager Joe Willock.

The 18-year-old midfielder has only been named on the bench once (against Watford), but will have the chance to impress given Arsenal’s focus on the Europa League.

There’s also no sign of Mesut Ozil, who has NEVER played against Newcastle at St James’ Park. That’s a weird one…

Rob Holding replaces Hector Bellerin at right-back. Nacho Monreal is back in at left-back in place of Sead Kolasinac. And Danny Welbeck drops to the bench after his recent flurry of goals.

TEAM NEWS – NEWCASTLE

12:35: Well this is nice and easy. Rafa Benitez has named an unchanged XI from the side who beat Leicester last week.

Loan signing Islam Slimani had hoped for a first start for Newcastle, but Dwight Gayle continues with the Algeria international named among the substitutes.

NEWCASTLE vs ARSENAL

12:30: Not sure what Arsene Wenger is reacting to in that photo above, but he sure looks mad! In slightly more important news, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang start together!

Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett, Ritchie, Diame, Shelvey, Kenedy, Perez, Gayle.

Subs: Darlow, Clark, Murphy, Slimani, Hayden, Manquillo, Joselu.

Arsenal XI: Cech, Chambers, Mustafi, Holding, Monreal, Xhaka, Elneny, Willock, Iwobi, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Subs: Ospina, Mertesacker, Welbeck, Maitland-Niles, Kolasinac, Nelson, Nketiah.

HAVE YOUR SAY

12:28: If you want to vent your frustrations, or discuss any issues in the world of football (within reason), then get in touch!

You can either comment at the bottom of the page or contact me via Twitter using the hashtag #ExpressSport.

GOOD AFTERNOON

12:25: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Premier League.

How’s everyone feeling? I was involved in a rather feisty game of Poker yesterday that didn’t finish until 5am!

On reflection, winning £25 wasn’t worth losing my beauty sleep for. I need it…

Anyway, Newcastle welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park looking to secure their top-flight status. The Gunners, meanwhile, have the unexpected task of shrugging off high-flying Burnley.

Let’s have some team news and line-ups.

NEWCASTLE vs ARSENAL

Loan signing Islam Slimani will hope for a first start for Newcastle. The Leicester frontman belatedly made his debut for the Magpies as a late substitute against Huddersfield a fortnight ago, but was ineligible to play against his parent club last weekend and will be looking to force his way into manager Rafael Benitez’s thoughts. Benitez otherwise has no fresh injury problems.

Aaron Ramsey will be hoping to be involved despite a deep cut on his leg. The Arsenal midfielder had the gash stapled closed during Thursday’s Europa League draw at CSKA Moscow and managed to play for the remainder of the match, while Jack Wilshere took a kick to his ankle but also seems likely to feature.

Granit Xhaka may return after missing the game in Russia through illness, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang comes back into the fold having been cup-tied.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Newcastle D L W W W; Arsenal L L W W W

Top scorers (all competitions): Ayoze Perez (Newcastle) 6; Alexandre Lacazette & Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) 10