52nd minute Cygan comes on for Ashley Cole, who limps off. Frick, that means no Aliadiere, since Pires will be the next sub. Andy Gray now brings up the lack of depth in the Arsenal squad due to the loan moves. Cygan, by the way, slots in at left back.
Cygan on for Cole! Cygan was on the pitch for every single Arsenal loss last year, says the commentator. Dreadful stat, that.
54th minute Henry wins a free kick from about 26 yards out to the left of Given, Edu takes a crack and whacks it over the bar.
58th minute A decent Arsenal spell of possession ends when Gilberto makes a lousy pass to Henry. C'mon, let's get this over with and get Pires on there for Parlour.
62nd minute Wenger makes a tactical sub earlier than usual, pulling the ineffective Ray Parlour out for Pires. Some boos from the crowd, have no idea why, unless the fans want a 1-1 draw.
67th minute - Goal Arsenal 2, Newcastle 1 Gilberto puts one in off his shoulder courtesy of a Pires cross. The free kick was the result of a clumsy challenge by Robert on Ljungberg brings the game's first yellow card. Freddie looks like he's in serious pain, and we're out of subs.
70th minute Wiltord cracks a long shot right into Given's hands. Freddie still looks like he's hurting. Have I mentioned we're out of subs? Freddie's basically hiding in the middle and Wiltord has moved to the right.
71st minute - Goal Arsenal 2, Newcastle 2. Bernard cracks a beauty short side into the top corner. He snuck behind Lauren and got a great pass from Dyer. Newcastle brings on Gary Speed for Bowyer.
And Gilberto scores his FIRST premiership goal. Even shoulder goals count, so open his account please!
74th minute Looks like M*A*S*H out there as Bellamy catches a Lehmann elbow and is wobbly, and Keown is ailing as well. Freddie's still hurting, too. Keown looks to be OK as he comes back on.
79th minute - Goal Arsenal 3, Newcastle 2. Thierry Henry PK, impudently chips it straight down the middle. Arsenal win a corner as Given palms over an Henry free kick. Arsenal then win a penalty as Jermaine Jenas touches the ball in the box, Newcastle players argue that he was pushed, but the replay shows he wasn't - just a stupid play. (Looking forward to the FA charges against the Newcastle players for surrounding the ref.)
82nd minute What the hell are you talking about? Did you actually see the replay? Gilberto with a hard tackle, no booking, although it might have been. Newcastle caught expertly offside after the free kick.
86th minute Arsenal try to play keepaway, but Cygan can't handle a pass from Edu and it goes out for a Newcastle throw. A tense finale in store for us.
89th minute Cygan whiffs on a clearance, Newcastle's cross finds Shearer but the pass is high and the header goes out. Newcastle bring on Ameobi for Jenas.