Alan Pardew targets Arsenal scalp

Alan Pardew has warned Premier League leaders Arsenal that they will need to be at their very best in order to beat Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners travel to the North East at the weekend to face a Newcastle side who have won eight of their last ten league fixtures - including a 5-1 demolition of Stoke City today.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Pardew promised Arsene Wenger's men that they will encounter a "rocking" St James's Park and believes that his side boast enough quality to upset the Londoners.

He said: "This place will be rocking, and Arsenal know that. It's a difficult game for both of us, so let's see how we match up.

"We have depth and a lot of quality, and we're working very hard. We're difficult to beat."

Wenger's charges returned to the summit of England's top flight with a 3-1 win away to West Ham United this afternoon.

Sunday's clash is scheduled to kick off at 1.30pm.