Wenger opted to keep Kanu on the bench, with Lauren taking his recent spot on the right of midfield and Dixon playing at right-back. It was Luzhny's turn to play out of position on the left. As on Wednesday, it's hard to imagine Arsenal fans having any complaints about any of them.

Newcastle started well and had a few chances early on. As early as the second minute Stepanovs was caught ball-watching when he let Ameobi in on our right, but the good cross was well cut out by Luzhny. It has to be said that following that incident Igors had an excellent game, making several crucial blocks and rarely letting his man past. It's a stunning turnaround by the much-maligned Latvian. On this form he'll be at least a worthy deputy for Sol Keown and Upson next season. Sol Campbell's form continues to peak, and if Vieira were to leave (and maybe if he weren't) Sol would surely be a shoe-in for captain next season. Not that we expect Paddy to go, as France Football's english correspondent tells us that he appears extremely happy to be at Arsenal these days.

We were under the cosh for the first 10 minutes, and then hit them on the break with another breathtaking Bergkamp goal. This has to be contender for goal of the season, combining as it did fast and precise teamwork, defence turned into attack, and exquisite control and finishing from the Dutchman.

Vieira won the ball in our half and gave it to Dennis, he found Pires on the half way line on the left wing. Bon carried down the line, past his man, and then hit s low pass back to Bergkamp who'd made his way forward to the D. Dennis received the ball with back to goal and Dabizas just behind him, and flicked it up and behind him to his right. With the ball going one side of the marker, Dennis span round to pass him on the other side (showing good strength to hold him off), got to the ball first, and poked it low past the keeper. Simply Bergkamp.

Sol Campbell made it 2 a few minutes before half-time, bullying his way to get his flying head onto a swinging Bergkamp free-kick from the right wing.

There were more decent efforts. Given did well a few times to make saves. Wiltord forced a good one with the keeper unsighted, and Given did briliiantly to rush way out of his box to clear as Wiltord again chased onto a long ball out.

In the second half another quick break saw Wiltord and Bergkamp set Lauren up on the right hand side of the box, but Given tipped his near-post shot into the side-netting.

And we can't go without mentioning Oleg Luzhny's extraordinary effort. Receiving the ball under pressure from 2 on the edge of the box, after a one-two which he'd initiated, Oleg flicked the ball up and stretched to hit a superb volley goalwards. Again, Given prevented Arsenal's making the lead really comfortable.

At the other end we were solid. Seaman was forced into several good saves, and when he couldn't hold it one of the defenders was always there to clear.

See reports page for list of links to reports on other sites.

Arsenal go into second in the table, behind Man Utd only on goal difference.

Round 2, the FA Cup tie, is at the same time same place next week. In between, Derby visit Highbury on Tuesday.