Arsenal and Newcastle United have produced many exciting encounters over the years, but what have been the most memorable in history?
Whether the Magpies were facing ‘Woolwich Arsenal’ or the Gunners as we know them today, there were scintillating performances from both sides – high-scoring matches not overly difficult to come across.
The first clash between these two teams dates back to 1893 where they played out a 2-2 draw in front of 6,000 spectators at Manor Ground – Arsenal’s former home.
Arsenal edge Newcastle in the overall head-to-head record with 77 wins, while the Magpies have won 67 of the 182 meetings.
But what are the most memorable of meetings between the two teams? Here’s a selection of the very best…
Newcastle 6-0 Woolwich Arsenal, September 1893
The second ever meeting between the two clubs was dominated by Newcastle. Both teams were in ‘Division Two’ at the time and it was the Magpies who impressed.
Joe Wallace and Bill Thompson both scored hat-tricks as the hosts annihilated the Gunners in front of just 2,000 fans at St James’ Park.
Copyright: Mirrorpix
Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle, April 1932
An FA Cup Final clash between these two in 1932 was an eventful one at Wembley Stadium.
It was Arsenal who struck first after Bob John scored fifteen minutes in, but a resilient comeback from Newcastle saw them draw level in the 38th minute courtesy of Jack Allen.
Allen then became the match-winner with 18 minutes to play and the Magpies lifted the FA Cup for the third time in 22 years.
Copyright: Mirrorpix
Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal, May 1952
In a period where substitutes were not allowed, this FA Cup Final was incredible. In front of 100,000 spectators, Arsenal suffered multiple injuries and finished the match with just seven players on the pitch.
Newcastle took full advantage of their numerical superiority and George Robledo wrote himself into the history books with an 84th minute winner.
Copyright: Mirrorpix
Arsenal 3-2 Newcastle, November 1958
Arsenal edged a five-goal thriller in 1958 and it was a memorable day for those in attendance at Highbury.
Vic Groves’ strike and a brace from Jackie Henderson gave the Gunners the win in a highly-competitive encounter.
Copyright: Mirrorpix
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle, March 1975
Wilf Rostron joined Arsenal as an apprentice and made his debut against Newcastle in this clash.
It was a memorable day for Rostron as he scored on his first appearance for the Gunners, helping them achieve an impressive 3-0 victory.
Copyright: Mirrorpix
Arsenal 5-3 Newcastle, December 1976
Alan Ball, a member of the 1966 World Cup winners squad, made his final appearance for Arsenal in this meeting before moving to Southampton and it was certainly one to remember.
The game was a close contest but was separated by one man – Malcolm Macdonald. His hat-trick gave Arsenal all three points and ensured Ball finished his spell in London on a high.
Copyright: Mirrorpix
Newcastle 4-2 Arsenal, May 2000
On the final day of the season, Newcastle produced a magnificent performance under the guidance of Sir Bobby Robson and it was a sign of things to come.
Alan Shearer scored his 300th career goal to help the Magpies and he was delighted. He said: “I’m a very proud man tonight. When I set out on that road to Southampton at 15, I never dreamt that I’d score 300.”
Arsenal 5-0 Newcastle, December 2000
Despite losing 4-2 in the previous encounter, Arsenal turned up for revenge and that is exactly what they got.
Thierry Henry and Nwankwo Kanu scored for the hosts but it was Ray Parlour who stole the show – an excellent hat-trick completed the 5-0 demolition of Newcastle.
Arsenal 1-3 Newcastle, December 2001
An outstanding victory at Highbury in December put Newcastle top of the Premier League at Christmas.
Both Parlour and Craig Bellamy were sent off for each side and the 10-men of Newcastle proved to be tougher; late goals from Shearer and Laurent Robert sealed the win for the Magpies.
