Published: 21 March, 2015 
by STEVE BARNETT 

Premier League 
NEWCASTLE UTD 1, ARSENAL 2 

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger said he was "proud" of his players after watching them survive a game of two halves to win at Newcastle this afternoon (Saturday). 

Olivier Giroud scored two goals in four first-half minutes to put the Gunners on the road to what looked like being an easy victory. But they ended up having to hold on in a nervy second half showing after Moussa Sissoko pulled a goal back for the home side just minutes after the restart. 

"We played one game away at Manchester United, one at home to West Ham, one in Monaco on Tuesday and now here, so that's three away games in two weeks," said Wenger. "With that in mind I'm proud of the performance we put in today. 

"The last 40 minutes were difficult because our legs had gone a little bit and Newcastle played very well. 

"We had a fluent game by creating chance after chance and in the second half we just had to show different qualities and hang on."

"Now we want to finish as high as we can," added Wenger. "We have 60 points with eight games to go. If you look at the points we have taken in the last three months, it has been outstanding. We just want to win and win and win." 

Santi Cazorla was the architect for the opening goal in the 24th minute, whipping in a perfect cross which Danny Welbeck headed goalwards. Giroud reacted well to stick out a knee and divert the ball beyond Tim Krul at the near post.

The French striker showed his strength to score his second in the 28th minute, holding off Newcastle defender Mike Williamson to nod in Cazorla's corner for his 17th of the season. 

Booed off at the break, Newcastle began the second period with more intent and were rewarded within three minutes. Remy Cabella and Ryan Taylor combined smartly on the right flank before the former delivered a low cross into the area, which was met by an unmarked Sissoko, who crisply guided his shot home. 

The goal sparked the home side into life, forcing Arsenal to be more rugged and resilient with every passing minute. Goalkeeper David Ospina played his part, making vital saves to deny Ayoze Perez, Williamson and Sissoko. 

His heroics helped the north Londoners hold on for a 2-1 win, and strengthen their grip on Champions League football next season. 

But it was two-goal tailsman Giroud who was singled out for praise by Wenger after the game. The manager said: "He is like every striker, he wants to score goals and his confidence comes from scoring goals, it's a vicious circle. He is a fighter and has improved technically." 

ARSENAL: Ospina, Chambers, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Cazorla (Rosicky, 71), Sanchez (Flamini, 71), Welbeck (Bellerin, 89), Giroud. 
Substitutes not used: Szczesny, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Walcott. 
Attendance: 50,544