What a finish. Arsenal become the first team in Premier League history to come from behind in four successive matches as they defeat Newcastle 2-1 at Emirates Stadium. Ben Arfa had opened the scoring. But Van Persie and then Vermaelen's injury-time goal gave Arsenal a dramatic fifth win in a row. Wenger's men are now just a point behind third-placed Tottenham. It is also unlikely we have heard the end of the spat between Van Persie and Krul. Stay with us for all the post-match reaction.
90 + 9 FULL-TIME: ARSENAL 2 NEWCASTLE 1
In the aftermath of the goal, Krul and Van Persie are both booked. They were involved in an ugly slanging match after Vermaelen's goal. They maybe be countrymen, but they clearly do not get on. They have been bickering between each other all game.
Vermaelen charges forward in one last throw of the dice and his effort is rewarded. Amazing noise at the Emirates as Walcott's cross finds its way to the back post and Vermaelen scrambles the ball into the back of the net. His celebrations are wild as he is mobbed by his team-mates.
90 + 5 GOAL VERMALEN (2-1)!!!
90 + 4
Newcastle have throw-in deep in the Arsenal half and Simpson is looking to run down the clock.
90 + 3
Koscielny brings down Cabaye and some Newcastle players suggest it should be a second booking. Referee Webb decides that is not the case.
90 + 2
Replays show it is not a handball against Coloccini. The ball struck him on the chest, possibly the shoulder, from point-blank range.
90 + 1
Wonderful chance for Walcott inside the box, but it deflects wide. Walcott is screaming for a handball decision, and penalty, against Coloccini. Referee Webb is not interested.
90
ADDED TIME: There will be a minimum of five minutes added time before the final whistle.
90
Great save from Krul! Vermaelen was forward for an attack and met the ball after Song had stood up a cross from the right byline. Arsenal's centre-back headed the ball towards goal, but Krul superbly tipped over the bar. The resulting corner comes to nothing.
89
Arsenal will be annoyed if they draw this game. They have dominated possession and wasted a lot of chances.
88
Ba carries the ball up field and wins Newcastle their own corner. Ben Arfa's delivery is poor and Van Persie can head clear at the near post.
87
Another corner to Arsenal, but they fail to take advantage and it is an easy clearance for Newcastle.
86 Gutierrez goes into referee Webb's book for clobbering Sagna when the full-back was racing forward.
85
Corner to Arsenal. Vermaelen meets Van Persie's inswinging delivery. But goal-line clearance specialist Simpson is there to defend. It might not have been going in, but good work from Simpson.
84
Arsenal are determined to get the win and are throwing everything forward. But they have been guilty of some poor misses this evening.
83
Shocking miss from Gervinho. From a free-kick close to the corner flag, the ball finds the substitute at the far post. Gervinho, though, gets in a real mess and swings a left-foot effort wide.
82
Ramsey chips a ball into the penalty area and Van Persie heads back across goal. But it does not reach Gervinho.
81 Guthrie comes on in place of Tiote, who does not look like he has shaken off that earlier injury.
80
Wonderful skill from Walcott, who has been my man of the match, down the right. Williamson can then defend the cross.
79
Van Persie misses another chance after poor defending from Simpson, who sells Ben Arfa short with a pass. Luckily for Newcastle, when the ball finds Van Persie around 10 yards from goal, his right foot is mainly for standing on and he slashes well wide.
77 Ba is caught in a sandwich between Koscielny and Song. Koscielny is booked.
76 Ramsey makes his return to action from an ankle injury as a replacement for Rosicky.
75
Trademark from Ameobi has he holds the ball up before winning a free-kick from Arteta's swinging arm.
74
Koscielny really has played well in recent weeks, apart from his own goal at Anfield. This time he slides to intercept Cabaye's pass which would have sent Ba clean through on goal.
73
Cabaye has a few words with Arteta, seemingly claiming the Arsenal midfielder was play-acting an injury after a collision with Ba. Play continues.
72
Not exactly a battle of kings of headers, but Perch defends superbly at the back post to prevent Walcott from meeting a cross.
71
Ameobi looks to put pressure on Vermaelen, but the centre-back plays back to Szczesny. Arsenal's goalkeeper takes a bit of a risk when Ba was closing down, but manages to whack the ball up field.
70
Newcastle have in fact probably played more passes back to Krul than they forward to Ba in this second half. They again play the ball to their goalkeeper.
69
Newcastle are offering very little as an attacking threat in this half. Pardew would probably take a point at this stage.
68 Oxlade Chamberlain, who Wenger is keen to protect from fatigue, makes way for Gervinho. Oxlade-Chamberlain looks a little frustrated, as he was having a much better half.
67
Tiote has been off the field for attention to his right leg after an awkward landing in an aerial challenge.
66
I was just about to ask what has happened to Rosicky in recent weeks. He has appeared to be a different player and has again been excellent this evening. But then he shanks a sitter from eight yards that goes out for a throw-in. Shocking miss.
65
Lovely quick feet from Gibbs takes him away from Ben Arfa.
64
Poor from both teams on the edge of the Newcastle box as Rosicky and Coloccini give the ball away in quick succession.
63 Tiote is no stranger to a yellow card and is the first man in the book tonight after bringing down Rosicky close to the halfway line.
62
Perch does not give Walcott time to take a touch, turn and run as the Newcastle full-back is quickly into the challenge.
61 Obertan - who has had an ineffective night - is replaced by Shola Ameobi. Pardew is going with two strikers by the looks of things.
60
Oxlade-Chamberlain darts in from the left and beats Tiote and Simpson. But he then slices his shot from inside the penalty area and it flies well wide.
59
Arsenal fans are now booing every time the ball goes back to Krul. It seems very harsh to me.
58
Van Persie breaks clear of the Newcastle defence on the right and forces a save from Krul from an impossible angle. Arsenal are dominant at the moment.
57
Replays show a nasty studs to the thigh of Vermaelen from Ben Arfa. It was not intentional in a challenge at the touchline, but will sting.
56
It is deafening around the Emirates as Krul adjusts his shorts before taking a goal-kick. It seems to be a bit of a mob mentality. Krul is not taking a lot of time over the goal-kicks.
55
Perch is not doing much better than Santon against Walcott. The ball eventually comes to Van Persie from an Arteta - just after I had criticised him - cross. Van Persie's right-footed shot is, fortunately for Newcastle, straight at Krul.
54
It is difficult to see what Arteta brings to the Arsenal team. He sits deeper than Song and very rarely passes forward.
53
Perch gives away a free-kick and Van Persie is able to loft the ball into the Newcastle box. There is just too much power on the delivery for Vermaelen to get a touch on the stretch at the byline.
52
Shrill whistles are greeting every goal-kick from Krul. Arsenal think the Newcastle man is time-wasting.
51
Oxlade-Chamberlain has seen more of the ball in the opening five minutes of the second half than he did in the entire first half. He controls a ball on the chest and then sends a volley dipping just over the crossbar from 25 yards. Fantastic skill.
50
Classy run from Coloccini as he breaks into the Arsenal half after beating two opponents. But then his pass is rather aimless and straight to Koscielny.
49
Gibbs chips a pass down the left to Oxlade-Chamberlain and Williamson has to go across to cover. Walcott then attacks down the right and Krul has to be alert to save Rosicky's stooping header
48
Both sets of physios are on the pitch after a clash of heads between Koscielny and Ba. Both players are back on their feet and look like they will be okay to continue.
47
It is end-to-end at the start of the second half. This time Song and Oxlade-Chamberlain almost combine inside the Newcastle box.
46
Arsenal are immediately on the attack. But Newcastle counter through Obertan. However, the former Manchester United player's pass and behind Ben Arfa. Arsenal can get back and defend.
WE'RE BACK: Arsenal get the second half under way. Newcastle have replaced Santon, who was tormented by Walcott, with Perch.
In fact, Newcastle's lead lasted just 40 seconds. That is inexcusable from the visitors and it will be interesting to hear what Pardew has to say after the match.
Ben Arfa gave Newcastle the lead, but Arsenal were level less than one minute later through - surprise, surprise - Van Persie. It has been an interesting half. Arsenal have dominated possession, but Newcastle's compact midfield has forced Wenger's men to look at wide areas. Walcott has been excellent. But Newcastle remain a threat on counter-attacks.
45 + 2 HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 1 NEWCASTLE 1
45 + 1
Sagna loops a ball over the top of the Newcastle defence. But Van Persie is will offside. Replays suggest the earlier bickering between Van Persie and Krul was over the suggestion the Newcastle goalkeeper was time-wasting.
45
ADDED TIME: There will be a minimum of two minutes added time before half-time
44
Oxlade-Chamberlain's venomous corner causes problems in the Newcastle box. But Pardew's team scramble it clear and Ben Arfa looks to break before a fine challenge from Rosicky.
43
Oxlade-Chamberlain now wins Arsenal a corner. At the break in play, fellow Dutchmen Van Persie and Krul exchange a few words and referee Webb steps in to give them a ticking off.
42
Arsenal comfortably defend the set-piece, with Koscielny heading clear at the near post.
41
A free-kick to Newcastle is lobbed into the Arsenal area and Gutierrez has the chance to set himself for a volley. He slightly snatches at the effort and it deflects for a corner.
40
Likewise, Oxlade-Chamberlain has not really been in the game. He has been well marshalled by Simpson when he has seen the ball.
39
Ben Arfa's run down the left was only temporary. He is back on the right. His goal proved he has the beating of Gibbs, but Newcastle have struggled to get the ball to the attacker.
38
Arsenal take the throw back to Szczesny, who then plays the ball back to Krul as a gesture.
36
Strange decision from Newcastle to kick the ball out of play when Koscielny is down after a Ba challenge, which referee Webb had decided was not a foul. Newcastle were counter-attacking, but Tiote put the ball out. That was very sporting, but I do not think Pardew will be too happy.
35
Ben Arfa has swapped to the left. Koscielny defends well against the Frenchman.
34
Arsenal are on another attack. But referee Webb decides Rosicky has fouled Coloccini. It did not look like there was much in a weak trip that only caused the centre-back to slightly break his stride.
33
After an initial dummy, Van Persie curls the free-kick towards the head of Vermaelen. The centre-back cannot quite get a decent connection and then Song shots straight at Coloccini.
32
Blatant trip from Santon on Walcott gives Arsenal a free-kick around 35 yards from goal on the right.
31
Ba thinks he has broken the offside trap and gets a shot in at Szczesny. But one of the referee's assistants has a flag raised. It is offside.
30
Santon has a rare chance to get forward and looks to cut inside Sagna. But Arsenal's right-back is able to tackle.
29
Arsenal are happy to allow the Newcastle defenders to have the ball, but as soon as they cross halfway the home team snap into tackles.
28
Gutierrez is again back defending in order to stop Sagna. It looks like the Argentine has a hold of the Arsenal defender's shirt. But referee Webb allows play to continue.
27
Good work from Oxlade-Chamberlain on the touchline to give the ball to Arteta. Arsenal move the ball to the right and Coloccini has to head clear Sagna's cross.
26
Arsenal soon have the ball back and the pattern of the game continues, with Wenger's team enjoying a lot of possession. They are, however, having to look to wide areas to break down a compact Newcastle midfield.
25
Ba holds the ball up well before winning a throw-in from Koscielny deep in Arsenal's half. But Newcastle are then forced to go backwards into their own territory.
24
Due to the success of Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is on the left for Arsenal, has not seen much of the ball. The Gunners are focusing their attacks down the right.
23
Walcott is having a very good game. He shows neat footwork near the corner flag to beat Argentine duo Coloccini and Gutierrez.
22
Van Persie hammers the free-kick bending around the wall. But it is straight at Krul, who gathers after an initial fumble.
21
Coloccini, though, then fouls Oxlade-Chamberlain just to the right of centre on the edge of the Newcastle box - perfect position for Van Persie.
20
Rosicky wants a foul when attempting to burst past Tiote, but the Newcastle enforcer was simply too strong.
19
Newcastle will be livid their lead lasted less than 60 seconds. It was poor defending to allow Van Persie to work the ball on to his favourite left foot inside the penalty area for the equaliser.
18
Arsenal are looking to get the ball to Walcott down the right at every opportunity. He is giving Santon a very difficult evening.
17
Van Persie almost gives Arsenal the lead after breaking down the left only to blast just over the crossbar.
What an incredible minute. Newcastle took the lead through a wonderful finish from Ben Arfa, who was allowed to cut inside Gibbs. But Arsenal then went straight on the attack from kick-off and Van Persie scored his fifth goal in his last six matches against Newcastle following Walcott's cross. Pardew will be furious.
15 GOAL VAN PERSIE (1-1)!!!
14 GOAL BEN ARFA (0-1)!!!
13
Corner to Arsenal. After a short set-piece Walcott cannot quite hook an effort on target in the centre.
12
Newcastle are clearly attempting to squeeze Arsenal in midfield. This is a more defensive tactic than Pardew played in the hammering at Tottenham.
11
Arsenal need to keep an eye on the runs of Ba, who is lurking on the shoulder of the defence with intent.
10
It appears to be a clear Arsenal tactic to focus on attacking Santon. The Newcastle left-back this time shows good pace to stick with Walcott. Arsenal, though, want a foul after a slightly bundled challenge which leaves Walcott limping.
9
Koscielny has played well in recent weeks, but he attempts an aimless pass into midfield which instantly gives possession back to Newcastle.
8
Tiote is perhaps a little fortunate to escape a booking after a nasty rake of his studs down the ankle of Song. The Arsenal midfielder is left hobbling.
7
Ba aims to run in on the blindside of Gibbs from the right Newcastle touchline. But the Senegal international does not time his run and is a long way offside from Coloccini's pass.
6
Gutierrez is having to do a lot of tracking back to help Santon against Walcott, who has just collected another excellent flicked header from Sagna.
5
Cabaye, who has been one of my favourite players of the season, fouls Arteta on the halfway line. The free-kick is lobbed into the penalty area and Van Persie controls on his chest. Williamson manages to defend, but only after getting in a bit of a mess with goalkeeper Krul.
4
Ben Arfa appears to be playing on the right of a five-man Newcastle midfield, with Obertan in the centre of midfield.
3
Excellent from Walcott down the right after latching onto Sagna's flicked on header. Van Persie somehow does not connect to Walcott's precise low cross at the back post.
2
Corner to Newcastle after Ben Arfa played a nice ball into the path of Ba. The set-piece is played short and then Coloccini cannot keep it in play at the back post.
1
Almost immediately from kick-off, Tiote gives the ball away. Van Persie, though, is then offside.
KICK-OFF: Newcastle get the game going.
19.57
Here come the teams. Arsenal, led by Van Persie, and Newcastle, captained by Coloccini, emerge from the tunnel at the Emirates.
19.54
Kenny Stevenson says: "I myself from a neutral's point of view see a high-scoring game, With Arsenal's fantastic attack but dodgy defence. 2-2 or 3-2 either way."
19.52
If you have come in late, here's a round-up of the team news before kick-off. Wenger makes one change to his Arsenal side. Arteta returns after missing the thrilling win over AC Milan, replacing Gervinho. Oxlade-Chamberlain is fit to start. Andre Santos, Aaron Ramsey and Yossi Benayoun are back from injury and fitness problems to feature on the bench. Ben Arfa and Obertan replace Papiss Cisse and Ryan Taylor, who is understood to have a calf strain, for Newcastle.
19.48
Thanks for all your comments so far this evening and I apologise if I have not been able to publish all of your views. You can continue to get in contact at peter.fraser@bskyb.com or via Twitter @SkySportsPeteF.
19.46
If you are having a punt, it might be worth a few quid on an Arsenal player to be sent off. Wenger's men have had a red card in their last three games against Newcastle, with Gervinho sent off at St James' Park in the 0-0 draw on the opening day of the season following that coming together with Joey Barton.
19.43
The bookies have been in touch. If you fancy a flutter, Sky Bet say: "Arsenal (2/5 to win) have won nine of their last 12 Premier League home games but tonight they take on Newcastle (13/2) who are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with the Gunners. Van Persie has scored four goals in his last five games against Newcastle. He's 5/2 to score first and 17/1 to score first in a 2-0 Arsenal win. Newcastle had scored in 10 consecutive away games before failing to find the net against Spurs. Demba Ba is 15/2 to score first and 14/1 to score a brace."
19.42
Ashley Sherwood says: "Glad to see Ben Arfa starting, but hoping he'll pass the ball a little more than against Sunderland. Going for a 2-1 win for Newcastle."
19.38
Kieran Higgins says: "A Newcastle fan myself, I see a tough game for us tonight. The pace of Ox and Walcott will be dangerous. I see a 2-0 win to Arsenal unfortunately."
19.33
Obviously, how could we forget, last season, Arsenal were 4-0 up at half-time away to Pardew's Newcastle and drew 4-4 to become the first team to throw away a four-goal lead in the Premier League.
19.32
Denis Lucey says: "I think Arsenal might run out of puff tonight. This will allow my beloved Spurs a bit of leeway to retain third spot. I reckon 2-1 to the Toon. Demba Ba scoring twice."
19.30
I'm looking forward to seeing Ben Arfa tonight. He caused Sunderland massive problems when he came off the bench in the derby. It will also be interesting to see Tomas Rosicky's performance. Are Arsenal fans pleased the midfielder has signed a new contract?
19.29
Tonight's referee is Howard Webb
19.28
Tottenham fan Neil Fox has ruffled a few feathers. He says: "I can see this being a really open game, but just hoping Newcastle do us a favour and beat Arsenal. My prediction 2-1."
19.26
There is, of course, also the threat of Robin van Persie to Newcastle. The Arsenal captain has scored 21 goals in his last 20 homes games and has four in the last five versus Newcastle. Pardew's side have also conceded 21 goals in their last eight games on the road.
19.24
Newcastle have an infamously poor record in London and have won just two of their last 18 meetings with Arsenal in the top flight. But Newcastle are unbeaten in their last three league games with the Gunners.
19.22
Will Heath says: "As an arsenal fan, I am going for an arsenal win 3-1 Ben Arfa to nick the opener then a Rosicky goal also Oxlade-Chamberlin to get on the score sheet and RVP to score a penalty near the end."
19.21
Chris Hill says: "I'm hoping for Arsenal to again keep the momentum going and beat Newcastle 3 or 4-1 this is a huge game to decide champs league football. Rosicky, OXC & V Persie to all hopefully score."
19.19
For those asking about Ryan Taylor, apparently he has a calf strain and that is why he is not in Newcastle's line-up this evening. He will be a loss. He has been excellently versatile this season.
19.16
Brendan Gibbs says: "Arsenal 3 Newcastle 0. Arsenal are on the up and Newcastle have plateaued at best, in reality on a downward slope. Prof team selection is very strong. Arsenal will be up for closing the gap on our noisy neighbours."
19.15
Wayne Hogg says: "Good choice of line-up and formation strategy by Pardew, good to see Ben Arfa in the starting 11 and sure Cisse will make an impact on the game when brought on. Predict a Toon win 3-2 with a late Cisse goal for the win."
19.14
Wenger and Alan Pardew famously had a touchline falling out when the latter was boss at West Ham and raucously celebrated a last-minute winner. The Frenchman has only enjoyed one victory over Pardew as a Premier League coach, with the Newcastle boss enjoying two and three games ending drawn.
19.12
Roland Dhliwayo says: "It's going to be tricky but Arsenal are going to show their class once again and thump Newcastle 2 - 0. RVP & OX on the board."
19.10
If Arsenal win tonight, they would as good as end Newcastle's Champions League hopes. A fifth successive win for Arsene Wenger's team would also move them to within a point of third-placed Tottenham in the Premier League. Why has it suddenly all clicked for Wenger's team?
19.07
Arsenal team: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Van Persie (c). Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Santos, Ramsey, Benayoun, Gervinho, Chamakh.
19.02
Newcastle team: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini (c), Santon, Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Ba. Subs: Elliot, Perch, Guthrie, Gosling, Vuckic, Shola Ameobi, Cisse.
18.57
We will bring you all of the team news as soon as the word is out in London ahead of an important match in the race for the UEFA Champions League. In the meantime, you can get in touch throughout the evening with rants, predictions and opinions. I will publish a selection of the best. You can get drop a line to peter.fraser@bskyb.com or via Twitter @SkySportsPeteF.
18.55
Hello and welcome to our live and interactive coverage of the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle at Emirates Stadium.
