A Declan Rice stunner ensured Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The first half at the Emirates saw the visiting side dominate proceedings, with Bruno Guimaraes and Harvey Barnes going close as David Raya was forced into several good saves.
But the Gunners came out for the second half rejuvenated and soon took control of the game, with a period of pressure telling as Declan Rice swept in a brilliant finish from range to give his side the lead.
Both sides threatened at various points from then but it was Arsenal who had the better chances, with Newcastle rarely creating anything clear-cut.
And it was the Gunners who were able to see out the result, guaranteeing themselves a return to Champions League football and all but securing third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League.
Follow all the reaction from the Emirates below:
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Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE
- Arsenal beat Newcastle in the Premier League to secure Champions League qualification
- 55' GOAL! Rice sweeps in from outside the box [ARS 1-0 NEW]
- 18' SAVE! Raya makes three great stops in space of a minute [ARS 0-0 NEW]
- 6' CLOSE! Guimaraes forces double-save from Raya [ARS 0-0 NEW]
Arsenal FC 1 - 0 Newcastle United FC
Declan Rice the fitting hero to ensure Champions League football for Arsenal
19:50
,
Chris Wilson
Perhaps it was appropriate that Real Madrid’s nemesis ensured Arsenal have more Champions League dates on their calendar next year. Rice may have fashioned Arsenal’s greatest European nights since the 2000s with his twin man-of-the-match displays and brace of stunning free kicksagainst the continent’s superpower. It was fitting, then, that the goal that guaranteed a top-five finish and their ticket for a reunion with the European elite came from Rice, and that it was another terrific strike.
In the process, he almost certainly secured a third successive second-place finish; an unwanted hat-trick, some might say, but preferable when it seemed Arsenal might finish third in a two-horse title race. “We have built something sustainable and consistent,” said Mikel Arteta. “We had a clear dream to deliver a trophy this season to our people. Unfortunately we haven't done it, understanding the circumstances we've been through. But you have to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't confuse you and allow you to see all the incredible things this team are doing.”
Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
19:45
,
Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta apologised to Arsenal supporters for failing to deliver on his dream of ending the club’s two-decade wait for a Premier League title.
Declan Rice’s second-half strike fired Arsenal to a 1-0 win over Newcastleand confirmed their place in the Champions League next season.
However, the Gunners failed to launch a serious challenge to Liverpool this season and are set to finish runners-up in the league for a third consecutive campaign.
Paul Merson fires warning to Mikel Arteta after Arsenal secure second place for third consecutive season
19:40
,
Chris Wilson
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has warned Mikel Arteta that he must keep his side in the top two of the Premier League next season if he wants to stay in the job next season.
Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to all but secure second place in the Premier League for the third season in a row – barring a staggering turnaround in goal difference – but on Sky Sports after the match, Merson warned that Arteta needs to turn good performances into trophies quickly.
"Arteta has got until Christmas. They will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going,” said the 57-year-old.
Match facts
19:30
,
Chris Wilson
Declan Rice’s opener was his 19th goal involvements in all competitions this season (nine goals, 10 assists), with only Bukayo Saka (25) having a hand in more for Arsenal this term.
Howe: "We have to do our job against Everton"
19:20
,
Chris Wilson
Eddie Howe spoke to BBC after the match.
"We came under pressure at the start of the second half and you need to ride that storm and we had. Declan Rice produces that spectacular finish from that range. We did everything we could to get a goal.
"From our perspective, we got too passive and became a little bit sloppy on the ball. We'll learn from that. You do have times like that away from home.
"We have to take all the positives from that first half performance. We looked strong. Nick [Pope] didn't have too much to do.
"He's [Alexander Isak] got a bit of swelling in a muscle in his groin. He's only got seven days to get himself fit. Fingers crossed he can get there.
"It's obviously great for everyone to watch and we have to do our job against Everton."
Rice: "We've been poor by our standards"
19:16
,
Chris Wilson
Declan Rice is also speaking to Sky.
“We've been poor by our standards the last few weeks in the league,” he says.
“We went so hard in the Champions League that our form dropped in the Premier League. Newcastle are such an in-form side and the manager's message was clear, take it personal. We grew into the game and we showed that grit and three points at home, great way to end the league at home.
"We have to be at the level every week, we had such a good chance in the Champions League we had momentum with that and the league slipped away a few weeks ago. Today to win was massive and Newcastle are such a good side.”
On the season overall, he adds: "Difficult. After coming so close in the league last year, we were poor this year by our standards. To go out of every cup competition - with the players and the manager we've got - we need to be competing for titles and trophies, we can't take anything for granted. We're probably going to lose a few players so we need to sign more players. We'll strengthen over the summer. We're going to come back more hungry and stronger wanting to win something for this club."
More from Arteta
19:11
,
Chris Wilson
More from Arteta here.
"We're clearly very disappointed because we wanted to be here with the Premier League or the Champions League and it's not the case. But chasing a dream has its ups and downs,” he says.
"As well, make sure it doesn't get blurry and it doesn't get recognised what we've done. Any other team - and I've seen it with one injury to finishing eighth, fifth, 16th, 17th. What the team has done to sustain the levels throughout the season with everything that happened is incredible. I have to value what these guys have done."
When asked if this was his most testing season at Arsenal, he replies: "Yeah, because of the culture that we set, because of the standards and the mindset we have set at this football club, that regardless what happens you have to do your best and that's exactly what we have done."
“If you raise expectations that is what's coming. We are there. Nobody wants us to be there. We have been there now for three or four seasons. And they're going to want to take us from there. And that will be difficult.”
When asked how big the summer ahead is, he says: "We go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do!"
Merson reacts
19:05
,
Chris Wilson
Speaking on Sky, Paul Merson says that Arteta has “put the heart back in the club”.
“If you look at the all-round picture, four, five years ago they were also-rans, the club's gone, it's going nowhere. He [Mikel Arteta] put the heart back in the club. The fans are here, they turn up every week again. They're not far away, they need a centre forward.
“[They've had] a couple of injuries here and there and I know people go, 'everyone has injuries', no, they don't. Not to key, key players. I always say it, if you took [Mohamed] Salah and [Virgil van] Dijk out of that Liverpool team, believe me that is not winning the league if they're out for a long period of time. And that's what's happened, [Bukayo] Saka's a big player for them, [Kai] Havertz, people have a go at him, he's a big player. When he hasn't been playing he's been missed.
“They need a couple of players. I hope he doesn't end up like [Arsene] Wenger did a couple of years into his reign when everyone knew they needed a centre-back. They need a centre forward.,” he added.
Declan Rice’s stunning strike secures Arsenal’s Champions League place
19:00
,
Chris Wilson
Declan Rice’s second-half strike fired Arsenal to a 1-0 win against Newcastle at the Emirates and a place in next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya kept his side in the match with a string of fine saves prior to the interval before Rice delivered from range with 55 minutes gone.
Arsenal’s victory moves them five points clear of third-placed Newcastle with just one match remaining.
Arteta: "We had a dream"
18:52
,
Chris Wilson
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also spoke on the pitch after the match.
"We had a dream, it was to be here in a week's time and bring the big trophies to you guys and we couldn't do it for many circumstances,” he said.
“We need to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't get blurry and make sure we chase the dream with positivity and enthusiasm for next season.
"We have to start creating our own history here in this stadium and we started this season. There is much more to come and it won't be easy. These players have the talent.
"We need to rest and finish at Southampton and then go on holiday. Any other club in this position would finish in a position that we cannot even dream of,” he added,
Odegaard: "We can be proud of what we've done"
18:48
,
Chris Wilson
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard spoke on the pitch after the match.
"We can be proud of what we've done, especially in the Champions League, we had a great run there and some great experiences,” he said.
“We have to accept we haven't been good enough in the league, but we have to take all experiences, good and bad, take them into next season and be better.
"Unbelievable [Champions League], those are the nights we live for. To play here at home with that support. Great game and hopefully we can have many moments like that next season. Unbelievable to feel that and the love from the fans.
"We want to thank the fans. We always feel the love, the support we have is amazing so thank you. We have to use all experiences from this season, to feel that pain of not winning and take it to next season and come back stronger and bring the club some trophies next season."
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:45
,
Chris Wilson
Newcastle end the weekend in third, though they could drop a place if City win their game in hand against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
The Magpies are currently on 66 point, with City on 65.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:42
,
Chris Wilson
That result also all but secures second place for Arsenal.
They sit in second on 71 points, and though Manchester City could join them on that points total, the Gunners have a 10-goal advantage in terms of goal difference.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:38
,
Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:34
,
Richard Jolly
A hat-trick for Arsenal, who will finish second for a third consecutive season.
Newcastle are third but it is so congested they will have a nervy week.
At least they know their fate is in their own hands. But they really must hope Isak is fit to give them a threat.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:31
,
Chris Wilson
A great result for Arsenal, who secure Champions League football for next season with a hard-fought win.
Newcastle were the better side in the first half but Arsenal came out in the second and dominated, with Rice’s goal one that was worthy of winning any match.
The Gunners are in pole position to finish second for a third season running now.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:27
,
Chris Wilson
The referee blows the final whistle and Arsenal take a well-earned win in the penultimate match of the season!
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:26
,
Chris Wilson
90 + 9 mins
A few yellow cards – to Dan Burn and Jakub Kiwior – and we’re waiting for a VAR check on that scuffle.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:25
,
Chris Wilson
Nick Pope is up for it and there’s a scuffle in the box but Raya collects and that should be that!
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:24
,
Chris Wilson
90 +7 mins
Into the seventh minute of added time as Newcastle win a corner! This would be controversial...
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:24
,
Chris Wilson
90 +6 mins
Looks like time for one last chance as Guimaraes cuts inside but he falls as he lines it up in the box!
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:23
,
Chris Wilson
90 +5 mins
Heart-in-mouth moment for Arsenal fans as Raya flaps at a cross and it almost drops for a Newcastle attacker.
Instead Arsenal counter but the pass to Martinelli on the edge of the box just has a little too much on it.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:22
,
Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
Now Raya is booked for wasting time as Newcastle win a free-kick, and Havertz is booked for an arm to the face on Schar!
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:21
,
Chris Wilson
90 +4 mins
Willock gets a yellow card for dissent late on. Time is running out for the Magpies.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:21
,
Chris Wilson
90 +3 mins
Jorginho comes on for Odegaard, and the Italian take the armband in what will be his final appearance at the Emirates (for Arsenal).
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:20
,
Chris Wilson
90 +2 mins
Plenty of possession late on for Newcastle but no way through the Arsenal defence as yet.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:18
,
Chris Wilson
90 mins
There’ll be five minutes of added time at the Emirates.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:18
,
Chris Wilson
88 mins
Tonali lines up a free-kick as we approach the end of the game. It’s poor, and Raya collects.
He launches it long to Martinelli to start a counter, and the Brazilian wins a corner after seeing his shot blocked.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:15
86 mins
Trossard is receiving treatment, and while he does, Kieran Tierney comes on to replace the Belgian.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:14
,
Chris Wilson
85 mins
Newcastle are going through a period of piling on the pressure now, with Arsenal seemingly inviting it, though the cross goes out of play on the far side.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:11
,
Chris Wilson
83 mins
Tow decent chances in the space of a minute for Newcastle, with Willock firing wide from inside the box just after an inviting cross was nicked off the Magpies players in the box.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:10
81 mins
Now Mikel Arteta is yellow carded, meaning he’ll be suspended from the touchline for the last match of the season.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:07
,
Richard Jolly
The rather underwhelming substitutions from Newcastle today show how their squad is stretched in the absence of Isak, Joelinton, Trippier and Hall.
When everyone is fit, they have an excellent first 15 or 16. They will want to use the summer to get more depth beyond that.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:07
,
Chris Wilson
77 mins
Sloppy from the visitors as a free-kick hits the wall. A waste.
Willock comes on for Barnes too.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:03
,
Chris Wilson
75 mins
Chance for Newcastle though, as Osula and Guimaraes combine well before Barnes fires well over.
Arsenal make a change as Saka makes way for Kai Havertz.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:02
,
Chris Wilson
74 mins
It’s Arsenal who are happy to sit and counter now, though it is inviting a bit of Newcastle pressure. The Magpies win a corner, but it’s headed away.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
18:00
,
Chris Wilson
71 mins
Eddie Howe is looking very irritated on the sidelines. He’ll wonder how his team are behind after that first half.
They’re creating very little at the moment though.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:57
,
Chris Wilson
67 mins
Arsenal are looking very settled now, with the visitors not having had a notable chance for a long time.
At the other end, Ben White goes close with a drive from distance.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:53
,
Chris Wilson
65 mins
Krafth is yellow carded straight away for wresting with Martinelli, but Arsenal can’t create a chance from the free-kick.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:52
,
Chris Wilson
64 mins
Three changes for the Magpies, as Wilson, Murphy and Botman make way for Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley and William Osula.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:50
,
Chris Wilson
62 mins
Better from the Magpies as Gordon wins a corner, but nothing comes of the set-piece.
Arsenal still on top for now.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:48
,
Richard Jolly
Declan Rice has added to his collection of big goals. After two against Real Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final, he may have secured Arsenal's spot in the competition next season.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:47
,
Chris Wilson
58 mins
More good work from Saka, as he pulls off the trademark cut-inside-to-shoot manoeuvre before hitting a shot that is blocked.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
17:44
,
Chris Wilson
55 mins
GOAL! And the hosts are ahead!
It’s a lovely goal too from Declan Rice.
Saka wins it off Gordon not far from the Newcastle box and slips it to Odegaard, who looks up and cuts it back to Rice.
He’s outside of the box with plenty to do, but he sweeps the shot across his body and right into the far corner! No chance for Pope.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:42
,
Chris Wilson
53 mins
Arsenal have started the second half far better, with plenty of possession but also more invention in attack. Odegaard just did brilliantly to track back and cut out a dangerous pass on the edge of his own box too.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:39
,
Chris Wilson
51 mins
Great turn from Lewis-Skelly on the edge of the box, but his shot is blocked by Schar.
From the corner, Rice’s delivery causes some pinball in the box before Saka’s header is eventually collected by Pope.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:37
,
Chris Wilson
48 mins
Arsenal enjoying plenty of the ball as the second half begins but the attacking is a bit flat, before Saka’s cross to the back post is eventually cleared.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:34
,
Chris Wilson
Newcastle are without Isak and Arsenal are now without their two main centre-backs, so that will be a clash of understudies: Callum Wilson versus Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior. It also means Arsenal have a rare partnership of two left-footed centre-backs.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:33
,
Chris Wilson
46 mins
William Saliba has made way for Riccardo Calafiori for the second half.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:33
,
Chris Wilson
The referee gets the second half started at the Emirates.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:32
,
Chris Wilson
Both sides are back out at the Emirates, so we’ll be underway in the second half soon.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:28
,
Chris Wilson
So, Newcastle on top after an encouraging half of football in which they’ve certainly had the better chances.
Arsenal have threatened at times but so far they’re plating straight into Newcastle’s hands.
Nevertheless, this result sort of suits both sides, with Arsenal securing a spot in the Champions League with a draw. Newcastle will be more keen for a win, with City and Chelsea lurking.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:23
,
Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:18
,
Richard Jolly
That has quietened down after a terrific start. Arsenal have drawn a lot this season but another draw would take them into the Champions League, so 0-0 may suit them.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:17
,
Chris Wilson
The referee blows the whistle and we’re all level at the break!
An entertaining half in north London, but one that Eddie Howe will be far happier with.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:14
,
Chris Wilson
41 mins
There’s a lot of space opening up for each Newcastle counter, but they haven’t been able to find the finishing touch so far. They’ve been the better side so far at the Emirates though.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:09
,
Chris Wilson
38 mins
Just like that, Newcastle are clean through. It breaks nicely and Livramento has made the perfect run, but he’s too isolated as Arsenal get back in numbers.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:08
,
Chris Wilson
37 mins
Newcastle were fairly dominant at one point in terms of chances, but the hosts have grown into the game more and over the last few minutes they’ve been dominating the ball.
Another Arsenal corner comes, but White can’t direct the header back across goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:06
,
Chris Wilson
35 mins
Applause for Havertz as he warms up on the wing.
Kiwior just played in a lovely cross into the area between ‘keeper and defenders but no Arsenal player in the box had gambled on it.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:04
,
Chris Wilson
33 mins
A couple of corners for Arsenal but Newcastle defend them both well, with Lewis-Skelly eventually floating a ball out of play.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:02
,
Chris Wilson
30 mins
Scary moment for the visitors as Martinelli beats the defender to a header and is almost clean through as Pope races off his line, but the ‘keeper judged it well and gets there first.
Moments later, Guimaraes does brilliantly to track back and cut out a pass that would’ve given Odegaard a golden chance.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
17:00
,
Richard Jolly
Some outstanding goalkeeping so far, with four brilliant saves from David Raya and a superb one by Nick Pope. Either could prove the man who takes his team into the Champions League.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:59
,
Chris Wilson
27 mins
Inches away for Newcastle again. The long ball goes forward and Gordon does well to bring it down and escape his man. He reaches the byline and cuts it back but Barnes is inches away from getting a foot to it at the near post.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:56
,
Chris Wilson
24 mins
Almost a great chance for White as he skips through a challenge between two defenders but he’s tackled just before he can hit it.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:52
21 mins
The visitors look so dangerous when they get forward, and their fans will probably be wondering how they aren’t ahead already.
Gordon is latest to win a corner, but Burn commits a foul when the delivery comes in.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:49
,
Chris Wilson
18 mins
SAVE! And again!
From the corner, the ball in is headed towards goal by Burn, but Raya gets down and reacts well to palm it away before saving the rebound with his foot.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:48
,
Chris Wilson
17 mins
SAVE! This is brilliant from Raya.
Newcastle counter and the space opens up ahead of Barnes. He hits a shot from just outside the box but it takes a nasty deflection and is nestling in the far corner, before Raya throws himself to the opposite side and claws it away.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:47
,
Richard Jolly
16 mins
Eddie Howe has tended to have Mikel Arteta's number in the last couple of years.
Howe surprised his Arsenal counterpart at St James' Park in the Carabao Cup semi-final by putting Fabian Schar on Declan Rice. There hasn't been a repeat of that man-marking tactic, but Newcastle have made the better start.
David Raya has made a couple of smart stops, even if one was required because he passed the ball to Sandro Tonali.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:45
,
Chris Wilson
14 mins
Good work from Trossard and he evades the challenge from Murphy before cutting inside and seeing his effort deflected behind.
From the corner, Partey glances it goalwards at the near post but there’s a great save from Pope, who spread his arms well.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:42
,
Chris Wilson
12 mins
Newcastle are happy to sit deep at the moment and counter, and it almost pays off brilliantly as Livramento exchanges passes with the overlapping Gordon before firing a shot too close to Raya.
Moments later, Arsenal give it away cheaply but recover to intercept the through ball from Guimaraes.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:40
,
Chris Wilson
9 mins
Plenty of good possession for the hosts so far but nothing clear-cut in terms of chances as Murphy shepherds a long ball out of play.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:38
,
Chris Wilson
6 mins
CLOSE! The best chance of the match so far and it’s the first for the visitors.
Raya makes the initial mistake and Tonali pounces, slipping the ball into Wilson, who lays it off to Guimaraes. The Brazilian forces a good save from Raya, before the ‘keeper also palms away his second effort.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:36
,
Chris Wilson
4 mins
The first bit of pressure from Arsenal sees a great turn from Odegaard before shouts for a penalty as Burn slides in on White, but it was a clean challenge.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:34
,
Chris Wilson
2 mins
A couple of sloppy exchanges of possession from both sides so far early on.
Neither team wants to take initiative at the moment.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
16:31
,
Chris Wilson
We’re underway at the Emirates!
With Forest’s win over West Ham, Arsenal really need just a point to secure Champions League football today.
Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE
16:25
,
Chris Wilson
Both sides are in the tunnel at the Emirates now, so we’re around five minutes from kick-off.
Why Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal
16:20
,
Chris Wilson
Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has not been included in the Magpies’ squad for the match against Arsenal at the Emirates today.
Eddie Howe’s side take on the Gunners in Sunday’s late kick-off with both sides hoping to all but secure a spot in
