Half-Time Report: Ten-man Newcastle United holding Arsenal

Newcastle United go in level at half time against Arsenal despite being reduced to ten men following the sending off of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

In a bad tempered start to the game, Moussa Sissoko was booked inside the opening four minutes as Newcastle looked to frustrate Arsene Wenger's side.

© Getty Images

However, Arsenal were much the brighter and dominated the early possession, almost taking the lead through Aaron Ramsey, though they were aggrieved not to be given a penalty when Florian Thauvin appeared to trip Hector Bellerin.

Mitrovic was then dismissed for planting his studs on Francis Coquelin's leg as the Magpies striker attempted to control a falling ball.

Bookings followed for Chancel Mbemba and Thauvin as Arsenal continued to press, before Theo Walcott squandered the best chance of the half.

The Arsenal man followed up after Tim Krul had pushed away Alexis Sanchez's shot, but blazed the rebound high over the bar.

Newcastle finished the half on the front foot, with Thauvin carving out a chance down the right flank, but his cut back eluded the waiting Sissoko.