Arsenal sealed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates on Sunday.
The result also guarantees them a second-place finish in the Premier League for a third consecutive year.
Declan Rice was the match-winner, rifling home a composed finish early in the second half after a slick team move initiated by Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
It was Arsenal’s first goal against Newcastle in four attempts this season, breaking their drought after 52 efforts on goal.
But it wasn’t smooth sailing. Mikel Arteta’s side were pushed to the brink in the opening half, with David Raya forced into a series of critical saves.
The Spanish keeper atoned for a poor clearance that nearly gifted Newcastle the opener, saving brilliantly from Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Sven Botman in a chaotic sequence of chances.
Despite missing striker Alexander Isak, the Magpies mounted late pressure, but Arsenal’s defense, led by Gabriel and Saliba, held firm.
