Gunners keep Chelsea in their sights

Arsenal's Patrick Viera (2nd L) celebrates with Thierry Henry (R) and Robert Pires after scoring against Newcastle during their Premiership football match at St James Park in Newcastle, 29 December 2004.

Arsenal will enter the New Year five points adrift of Premiership leaders Chelsea after a hard-fought and somewhat fortunate 1-0 win over Newcastle.

A long-range strike from skipper Patrick Vieira in first-half stoppage time proved enough to secure three precious points for the champions.

It was an outcome that was harsh on Newcastle, who dominated proceedings for long periods in front of their own supporters and were desperately unlucky not to be awarded a penalty shortly before Vieira's deflected shot beat Shay Given.

The Magpies had kicked off without both skipper Alan Shearer and Patrick Kluivert.

But Shola Ameobi and Craig Bellamy quickly demonstrated their determination to prove themselves worthy of being regarded as more than understudies by giving the visiting defence some serious problems.

Ameobi in particular was proving a handful and it took a superb stop from Manuel Almunia, diving to his right, to deny the England under-21 striker after he had raced clear of Sol Campbell to unleash a left-foot shot from the edge of the area.

Ameobi also contributed at the other end, heading Campbell's net-bound header off the line. Robin van Persie then provided Given with his first serious test of the evening with a well-struck effort from distance that the Newcastle goalkeeper palmed away.

Arsenals Thierry Henry (C) is blocked by Newcastle's Aron Hughes (L) and goalkeeper Shay Given during their Premiereship football match at St James Park in Newcastle, 29 December 2004.

Arsenal's period of pressure proved short-lived however and the home fans were justified in their indignation at being denied a penalty when Ashley Cole, caught off balance by Jermaine Jenas's diagonal pass into the box, raised his arm to intercept the ball before it reached Bellamy.

Even Cole appeared to anticipate the referee blowing for a penalty but his whistle stayed silent and Newcastle's misfortune was compounded in the final seconds of the opening period.

A careless throw-in from Olivier Bernard allowed Arsenal to regain possession inside their hosts' territory.

Still there seemed little danger as Vieira attempted to dink a pass towards Thierry Henry in the box. Titus Bramble was able to block comfortably but rather than snuffing out the danger the Newcastle centre-back simply teed up Vieira for a speculative shot at goal that took a deflection and looped over Given.

Arsenal could scarcely claim to have displayed championship form but manager Arsene Wenger will take heart from the efficiency with which his side closed the game down in the second period to preserve their lead.