A solitary goal from Olivier Giroud saw Arsenal back on the top of the English Premier League table after beating Newcastle 1-0 at St. James Park on Sunday afternoon.
It was a slow start to the match as both teams were cagey in attack and opted to play it safe in defence.
Arsenal, though, saw more of the ball early on, but were unable to break down a stubborn Newcastle defence.
The first opening on goal only came in the 23rd minute as Jack Wilshere let fly from just outside the box, but his effort went just wide.
Two minutes later and Newcastle created their first opening as a Mathieu Debuchy volley went narrowly wide from just inside the box.
In the 27th minute Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul was at his best to deny Tomas Rosicky a curling effort from long range.
Krul had to be alert again four minutes later when Santi Cazorla cut inside from the left flank and fired a shot goalwards, but his effort was superbly saved by the keeper.
In the dying seconds of the half Newcastle came close to taking the lead after a goalmouth scramble at a corner-kick saw Debuchy head the ball goalwards, but his attempt was cleared off the line by Wilshere.
The half ended 0-0.
The second 45 saw Arsenal take control of the game and Flamini was unlucky not to find the back of the net as his thunderbolt from distance went inches over the crossbar.
Arsenal made their pressure tell in the 65th minute as Giroud met a superb pass from Theo Walcott and produced a fine header to give the Gunners the lead, 1-0.
Newcastle tried to fight their way back into the match, but Arsenal held on for the win that saw them back on top of the Premier League table.
