England round-up: Arsenal see off Newcastle

Arsenal FC moved four points clear at the top of the Premiership with a 3-2 win against Newcastle United FC at Highbury on Friday night.

Henry decisive
The home side twice led only for Newcastle to equalise on each occasion, but a penalty from Thierry Henry ten minutes from time finally settled the match, the French international striker calmly chipping the into the net from the spot after Jermaine Jenas had handled a Robert Pires corner.

Positive start
Arsenal began positively and took the lead in the 18th minute as Lauren's cross was sliced into Henry's path by Newcastle defender Titus Bramble and the striker opened the scoring from close range.

Injury blow
However, Newcastle were level eight minutes later with their first real attack, as Kieron Dyer's low cross was turned into the net by Laurent Robert. Arsenal then lost influential captain Patrick Vieira to injury, but were quickly into their stride after half-time, as a Fredrik Ljungberg shot curled against the post.

Gilberto goal
Arsène Wenger's side were back in front seven minutes past the hour as Gilberto scored from substitute Pires's free-kick but again Newcastle were level within minutes, Dyer's pass giving Olivier Bernard the chance to equalise for a second time. Henry's late spot-kick, however, earned the home team three important points.