He returns at a critical time in Arsenal's season with Arsene Wenger's men in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and chasing domestic glory in the FA Cup where they face Chelsea in the semifinals.
His last game for Arsenal was May's FA Cup final when Arsene Wenger's side beat Southampton 1-0 with Seaman - captain for the day - making a stunning save in the match's closing stages.
The goal should have raised Arsenal's game, but much to manager Arsene Wenger's consternation on the sidelines it was Sunderland who continued to push his team back.
Chamakh's second goal was also the 1000th scored under Wenger's reign as Arsenal manager since taking over from Bruce Rioch in 1996.
But despite their differences over the physical nature of Allardyce's teams, the former Bolton boss paid tribute to Wenger's achievements with the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger's side were without injured captain Cesc Fabregas, and Wenger also chose to leave Robin van Persie and Arshavin on the bench as they held a healthy lead from the first leg.
And Fulham's Brede Hangeland and Senegal defender Pape Diakhate are thought to be on Wenger's radar as he looks to shore up his shaky rearguard, although William Gallas could be on his way out of the club.
With relegation matters settled by Arsenal's 4-1 defeat to condemn Wigan to the drop in midweek, Arsene Wenger's team needed to win at Newcastle to deny North London rivals the coveted fourth spot.
The Frenchman, the rock in Arsenal's solid midfield for the past five years, featured in almost every match for Arsene Wenger's side last season.
Arsenal's defeat to Blackburn came just a few months after arguably one of the most humiliating nights of Wenger's reign, when they lost on penalties in the League Cup to Bradford City, who play in the fourth division of English football.
Arsene Wenger's Gunners are 10 points behind Scolari's Premier League leaders, and are down in fifth place.
Ferguson, who has managed United for 23 years, believes Wenger's success is further proof that "longevity brings rewards".
Wenger's comments may be in part motivated by the injuries his players have suffered in recent weeks while on international duty.
Their display gave credence to Wenger's insistence that you do not necessarily need to spend heavily to succeed.
Wenger's disappointment afforded a pointed contrast with the quiet satisfaction of his West Brom counterpart, Roberto Di Matteo.
Arsene Wenger's men are now four points off fourth place which holds the coveted prize of Champions League football.
This latest defensive calamity will raise further questions about boss Arsene Wenger's ongoing reluctance to sign a top class goalkeeper.
It was very much against the run of play - and Wenger's frustration was plain to see on the touchline.
Ferguson and Wenger's rivalry has become part of English football folklore but over the years a grudging respect has developed.
Bendtner dragged an angled strike wide before the Tyneside outfit almost punished Wenger's side for not making more of their chances.
The 31-year-old former Arsenal captain Gilberto has ended his six-year spell with Arsene Wenger's side after passing a medical in Athens.
Tottenham is poised to finish above Arsenal in the standings for the first time since 1995, before the beginning of Wenger's tenure.
He snatched the ball and slid his penalty past Helton to provide the perfect finale to a wonderful night for Wenger's side.
Wenger's 2004 Premiership winning side remained unbeaten in the league all season.
Tottenham, who also face Arsenal on Saturday, have a poor record against Arsene Wenger's team and will have to overcome his impressive youngsters.
And it would have got even worse for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's team had Szczesny not saved a late effort from Carlos Edwards.
And in November 2008 he publicly questioned the spirit of Wenger's young side, after which he was replaced as captain by Cesc Fabregas.
Wenger's players never looked like surviving this fierce early barrage, and so it proved as United took a deserved lead in the 18th minute.
Last season Arsenal finished third in the Premier League and reached the Champions League quarter-finals but Wenger's men are still without silverware since 2005.
Koscielny improves Wenger's defensive options as Sol Campbell is mulling over a new one-year deal and William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre likely to leave.
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