Arsenal begin life without Vieira

Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto Silva teamed up in central midfield against Newcastle at Highbury as Arsenal attempted to prove they could cope without former captain Patrick Vieira.

Jose Antonio Reyes was suspended following his dismissal in the FA Cup final, leaving Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires to continue on the flanks, while Sol Campbell was also missing with a calf injury.