Olivier Giroud's first goal since the end of November secured a 1-0 victory for Arsenal away at Newcastle United this afternoon.

The French international headed in the goal's only game during the second half, which in turn saw his side return to the top of the Premier League table.

Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the clash to determine if the result was a fair one.

Match statistics:

Newcastle:
Shots 11
On target 3
Possession 47%
Corners 4
Fouls 10

Arsenal:
Shots 11
On target 4
Possession 53%
Corners 1
Fouls 8

Was the result fair?

It had been anticipated that this might be a game that provided goals, but in that respect the watching public were left disappointed. It became clear rather quickly that one goal was probably going to be enough to seal all three points and so it proved. You would have to say that Arsenal just about deserved the spoils as they were better in possession and created more openings.

Newcastle's performance

Considering the run of form that Newcastle took into this match, it was expected that they would set about Arsenal from the first whistle. It didn't happen, though. If anything, Alan Pardew's men were pretty lacklustre, with their play in the final third missing any real intensity. They did push hard in the final 10 minutes or so, but it was the type of effort that they should have displayed from the very start.

Arsenal's performance

It was the type of performance that wins titles. Arsenal were by no means at their best and even rode their luck on occasions, but it is they who claimed the three vital points. Without the injured Mesut Ozil, they lacked that killer pass in the final third of the pitch. However, manager Arsene Wenger will be pleased to see Giroud get his name on the scoresheet. He is also likely to be delighted with his side's defensive play. After all, they did not give Newcastle many chances until the closing stages when the home side went rather gung-ho.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Mathieu Debuchy: The Newcastle full-back certainly didn't deserve to be on the losing today, such was the quality of his performance. He caused problems to Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs going forward, while also being able to nullify the threat of Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard was so frustrated that he actually ended up changing positions during the second half.

Biggest gaffe

He may have ended his barren spell in front of goal, but Giroud should have scored twice today. After Theo Walcott's effort was cleared off the line by Debuchy, the Arsenal striker had a simple tap-in to put his side 2-0 up. He scuffed his volley, though, and almost sent the ball out for a throw.

Referee performance

Lee Probert deserves plenty of credit because there were occasions when tempers threatened to boil over, largely during the second half when Newcastle were pushing for an equaliser. However, the official kept a lid on that, allowing both sides to end the match with 11 players. Other referees may have taken a more stricter viewpoint, which would have hampered the game as a spectacle.

What next?

Newcastle: On New Year's Day, the Magpies will be on the road to take on West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal: As for Arsenal, they will return to home comforts on the same day, with Cardiff City visiting the Emirates Stadium.