Laurent Koscielny proved to be the match-winner as Arsenal kept their place at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.
The defender scored from close range with a goal against the run of play 18 minutes from time, while Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech kept the Magpies at bay on several occasions to ensure another clean sheet for the hosts.
The result means Arsenal have now won all of their last nine league meetings with Newcastle but it could've been so different had their opponents been able to take their chances.
The Newcastle players walked out wearing special T-shirts to pay tribute to former goalkeeper Pavel Srníček, who sadly passed away at the end of last year on December 29th. Just before kick-off the players took off the special shirts and laid them down in the away dugout before a minute's applause began in Srníček's honour.
It was a fitting tribute to their former goalkeeper and, at times, it also looked like they might extend that tribute by getting all three points at the Emirates.
Arsenal failed to test Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot in the first half and it was in fact the visitors who had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum saw his header well saved by Petr Cech before Jack Colback's rebound was comfortable saved by the Gunners' shot-stopper.
Ayoze Pérez sent his effort off target, while Aleksandar Mitrovic's strike was blocked by the home defence. At the other end, Olivier Giroud saw his strike blocked by Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini.
Although Arsenal had a decent share of the possession, it was Newcastle who were still looking the more likely to score. Mitrovic's overhead kick was straight at Cech but Arsenal's number one had to be more alert next time around. Cech reacted quickly and spread himself well to block Wijnaldum's shot and keep the scores goalless going in at the break.
Arsenal were again indebted to Cech inside the opening few minutes of the second half as he made a superb save to deny Wijnaldum from close range.
Mitrovic then sent a shot over the bar before Arsenal finally registered their first shot on target after 50 minutes. Aaron Ramsey got his toe to the ball to send it towards goal but in the end it was a comfortable save for Elliot.
With Arsenal performing below their usual standards in attack there was another worrying moment when news came through to me of a penalty at title rivals Leicester. Fortunately for us, Leicester's penalty was saved and, despite Bournemouth being reduced to 10 men, the Foxes could only muster a 0-0
Arsenal were beginning to create some chances as Olivier Giroud latched onto a pass from Koscielny before sending a lob over the bar. But Newcastle were continuing to pose a threat at the other end and Chancel Mbemba really should've done better with his opportunity. The defender got on the end of Moussa Sissoko's cross but could only send his header over the bar.
Koscielny also headed over the bar but he had better luck next time with what proved to be the only goal of the game. The ball was up in the air and as it came back down Giroud managed to head to the ball onto the French centre-back to poke home.
Arsenal tried to add to their lead but Nacho Monreal's effort was blocked before Theo Walcott saw his strike go over the bar.
Newcastle refused to give up and continued to create chances in their push for an equaliser, but Mitrovic and Wijnaldum were both off target with their headers.
Despite all Newcastle's endeavour they nearly ended up 2-0 down in the closing minutes of the game. Ramsey controlled the ball in the box before seeing his shot well saved by Elliot. Ramsey had another chance to get his name on the scoresheet after exchanging passes with Mesut Ozil and beating two men in the box, but his eventual shot went off target. Ozil shot wide in stoppage time but Arsenal were able to hold on for the win and what could turn out to be a massive three points in the race for the title.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Newcastle fan David Charlesworth was left feeling frustrated after what has been a difficult festive period for his side.
The Magpies remain in the relegation zone after three consecutive 1-0 defeats against Everton, West Brom and Arsenal.
"It's a bit difficult to believe that we've come out of the festive period with nothing to show for our efforts," said Charlesworth. "A last-minute winner did us against Everton, we were denied a clear-cut penalty at West Brom and then gave a good account of ourselves in north London only to suffer a third 1-0 defeat on the trot.
"The Premier League is a cruel mistress and we desperately need points now, not plucky displays. Otherwise we're doomed.
"As a side note, all the best to Arsenal. I hope you go all the way, if only so Mr Wenger can slam the title down the throat of plastic fan Piers Morgan! Go well Gunners."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
It was a far from convincing performance but we did the job and got three points. When any club wins the league, it's games like this, when your backs are against the wall and you still come away with the win, that can go along way to deciding the title.
There is still a long way to go and by no means do I think we will win the title but, considering how the game panned out, it was absolutely massive that we came off the pitch with the victory.
Not only does it keep us top but, with tough trips to Liverpool and Stoke looming this month, we really needed that. The challenge is going to continue to get harder but, for now, I am happy as we are still top of the table.
Focus can now turn to the FA Cup where we will begin our journey to try and win the trophy for a third successive year. Sunderland will be the visitors to the Emirates for the third round tie and I will be there! I can't wait!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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