Newcastle's hopes of finishing in the Champions League places have been all but extinguished after an injury time strike from Thomas Vermaelen denied the Magpies a vital point at the Emirates Stadium.
Alan Pardew's side had taken the lead on 14 minutes when Hatem Ben Arfa, awarded a start by Pardew after his impressive performance in the Tyne-Wear derby, cut in off the right flank to rattle in a vicious left footed strike that beat Wojciech Szczesny at the Polish keeper's near post.
Within fifty four seconds Arsenal were level, Robin Van Persie slotting home past Tim Krul after collecting Theo Walcott's right -wing cross and wrong-footing Mike Williamson.
Newcastle proceeded to spend much of the game on the back foot with Arsenal enjoying the lion's share of possession, clear cut chances were few however, and Pardew's charges performed admirably in stifling a Gunners' side that have been in potent form in recent weeks.
Arsene Wenger's men continued to control the game in the second period, but an organised Newcastle side demonstrated the kind of defensive fortitude that has made them a very difficult team to beat this campaign. Tomas Rosicky; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho all saw chances come and go and it appeared that Newcastle's defensive efforts, led by the magnificent Cheick Tiote, would be rewarded.
However, football can be a cruel game and deep into the allotted five minutes of injury time Arsenal provided the sting in the tail. Newcastle conceded possession for a throw-in well inside the Arsenal half and the Gunners broke quickly with several Magpies' players stranded further up the field. The ball came wide to Walcott, whose deflected cross fell to Vermaelen who prodded home from short range to finally break down the visitors' resistance and send the Emirates into raptures.
The timing of the goal meant there was no way back for Newcastle, but there was still time for the game to be slightly marred by a spat between compatriots Van Persie and Krul. The dispute had been brewing throughout the contest after Van Persie accused the Newcastle keeper of time-wasting in the first half.
The disagreement was in truth nothing more than a bit of 'handbags' but the manner in which Van Persie taunted Krul and Newcastle was disappointing from a player who has been the picture of professionalism for Arsenal this season.
Newcastle will rightfully be extremely disappointed by the nature of the defeat and the way in which they conceded the two goals. Both were avoidable defensively, but in such moments over-criticism can be detrimental and Pardew will surely be keen for his squad to bounce back mentally ahead of what is now a must-win game against Norwich at St James' Park on Sunday.
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