Kieron Dyer's cool finish following a quick counterattack after 30 minutes put the Magpies in front at halftime.

Arsenal skipper Henry replaced injured Robin van Persie at the break . . . and smashed in a free-kick as the hosts dominated but could not find a winner.

Arsenal captain Henry was initially rested, with Arsene Wenger had expressing concern over player burn-out ahead of a crucial spell of games, the French striker having played a full 90 minutes for France in midweek.

Arsenal had started brightly with Robin Van Persie and Emanuel Adebayor both going close as Wenger emphasised the need to score early.

However, with just over half an hour gone and Arsenal looking light at the back, a flick-on from Obafemi Martins put Dyer into space on the edge of the area.

Eboue was tracking him but the England midfielder took control of the ball, turned and coolly dispatched a low strike into corner.

Arsenal remained patient, knocking the ball around waiting for an opening as halftime approached. With the second half and the introduction of Henry, there was a new determination however bringing several slick passing moves without the final telling ball. They finally got their reward on 71 minutes when Steven Taylor bundled over Henry at the edge of the box, and the captain duly stepped up to ping a brilliant free-kick in off the crossbar.

However, for all their dominance, Arsenal simply couldn't beat the magnificent Given again.