London:
Forward Olivier Giroud scored a quick brace to help Arsenal win a sixth successive Premier League tie following a 2-1 triumph over spirited Newcastle side.
Arsenal produced a dominating first-half display as Giroud put his side ahead in the 24th minute before he added his 17th goal of the season four minutes later.
Subsequently, Newcastle staged a strong comeback as Moussa Sissoko’s stunning finish in the 48th minute raised hopes of John Carver’s side.
However, the absence of injured top scorer Papiss Cisse and suspended defender Fabricio Coloccini had come with a prize as Newcastle incurred fourth defeat in the last five games.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said that he was proud of the performance they put in, adding that they wanted to finish as high as they could, the BBC reported.
With the win, Arsenal are third with 60 points, one point behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table.
