Arsenal were made to work hard for the three points by an industrious, injury-hit Newcastle side at St James Park.

United were unlucky not to be awarded a first-half penalty when Ashley Cole clearly handled in the area.

But on the stroke of half-time, a ricochet fell to Patrick Vieira, whose volley from just outside the box took a deflection to wrong-foot Shay Given.

Newcastle had the better of the second half, but failed to take their chances with Laurent Robert the main culprit.

Robin Van Persie was handed a rare start up front in the absence of the injured Dennis Bergkamp, and the young Dutchman quickly burst into action, having a snap-shot palmed away by Given.

Newcastle's first serious attack came in the ninth minute when Campbell failed to deal with a bouncing through ball, and Ameobi's curling shot was tipped wide by Manuel Almunia. - at a minute later

Newcastle were out of luck as a blatant handball in the 18-yard box by Cole went unpunished.

Vieira put his side ahead just before the interval.The ball rebounded kindly to the Gunners skipper 20 yards out - and his dipping shot took a cruel deflection which gave Given no chance, putting the visitors ahead just before the whistle.

There were few chances early in the second half. he broke into the

With Arsenal becalmed, it was Newcastle who looked more like scoring - but Robert overhit a cross from a good position, after beating Lauren to the byeline.

Robert blazed another of his trademark free-kicks high and wide in stoppage time, leaving Graeme Souness's side with nothing to show for their efforts.

League One: Hull C-Doncaster 2-1

League Two: Cheltenham-Bristol R 1-1;Lincoln-Grimsby T 0-0

Malta draws 0-0

Malta obtained an encouraging goalless draw against Andalusia in yesterday’s friendly played in Seville.

Haber was the Malta hero with some good saves as the hosts also missed a penalty and hit the woodwork.