Referee hands victory to unconvincing Gunners

ARSENAL began life in the PPV era – Post Patrick Vieira, not pay-per-view – and ended the 2-0 victory over Newcastle wondering whether a man sent off against them could still become his successor.

A Thierry Henry penalty and a super breakaway goal from Robin van Persie were enough to get Arsenal's title challenge off to a positive start in their last season at Highbury.

But it took 81 minutes for the breakthrough in an unconvincing display in which all the marginal decisions went with the home side including a decisive sending off for Jermaine Jenas in front of prospective employers.