Arsenal let four goal lead slip

On a day of goals galore in the Premiership Arsenal let a 4-0 half time lead slip as they had to settle for a draw at St James' Park. Walcott, Djourou and 2 from Van Persie thought they had secured the win but when Diaby was sent off it all went downhill as two penalty's from Barton and a goal each for Best and Tiote capped off an unbelievable comeback from Newcastle. There were two changes in the Arsenal side as Arshavin and Diaby came in for Rosicky and the injured Alex Song. Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell was on the bench for Newcastle.

45 seconds into the match Arsenal took the lead through Theo Walcott. Diaby finding Arshavin who flicked the ball onto Walcott who went through on goal and comfortably slotted the ball past Harper.

2 minutes later Arsenal went 2-0 up through Djourou. Arshavin delivering the free kick from the left right onto the head of Djourou who put the ball into the back of the net for his first Arsenal goal.

9 minutes into the game Van Persie made it 3 for the Gunners and they were looking unplayable. Walcott finding room on the right hand side and cutting the ball back to Van Persie who fired the ball home.

Van Persie then had his second and Arsenal's fourth. The ball played out to Sagna who had plenty of time to put in a cross and he did, finding the unmarked Van Persie to head Newcastle out of sight.

The dutchman then could have had a first half hat-trick. Fabregas playing the ball upfield to Van Persie but his attempt to lob Harper went over the bar.

The score at half time was 4-0 to Arsenal.

3 minutes into the second half Abou Diaby was sent off. Barton challenging him strongly and winning the ball but Diaby was clearly unhappy with the tackle and pushed Barton to the ground and then Nolan.

Then Newcastle were awarded with a penalty after Koscielny brought down Best. Barton stepped up to take the penalty and casually put the ball into the back of the net for 4-1.

Newcastle were then denied a second. Best putting the ball into the back of the net but the linesman flagged him offside. However, he was not, as Rosicky was playing him so the goal should have stood.

Best then did have a goal. Enrique putting a high ball into the area which bounced off Clichy and into the path of Best who side footed the ball into the back of the net to make it 4-2.

The Gunners were all over the place and Nile Ranger almost made it 4-3 with a well struck effort but Szczesny was there to keep the shot out.

Newcastle were then awarded another penalty which should not have been given. The free kick played up to Williamson who tussled with Koscielny and was brought down. Barton once again stepped up and scored his second despite the leg of the Arsenal goalkeeper.

3 minutes from time Newcastle did the impossible and levelled the game. Barton's free kick headed out to Tiote who on the volley struck a powerful effort into the corner of the net to make it 4-4.

Newcastle then almost won the game. The ball fired up field to Ranger who chested the ball down to Nolan who struck a shot which went just inches past the post.

The final score ended Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Newcastle: Harper, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique, Gutierrez, Nolan, Tiote, Barton, Lovenkrands(72), Best(89).
Subs: Krul, Campbell, Perch, Guthrie(89), Ferguson, Richardson, Ranger(72).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou(49), Clichy, Arshavin(71), Fabregas, Diaby, Wilshere, Walcott(77), Van Persie.
Subs: Almunia, Gibbs, Eboue(77), Squillaci(49), Rosicky(71), Chamakh, Bendtner.

My man of the match: Robin Van Persie

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 51,561