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Arsenal secured their return to the Champions League next season following a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Declan Rice delivering the decisive moment.
The England midfielder struck a spectacular second-half goal to ensure Mikel Arteta’s men ended a five-game winless run and removed any uncertainty ahead of the final day of the Premier League season. With the win, Arsenal sealed a top-five finish and booked their place among Europe’s elite.
Although the Gunners are set to finish as runners-up to champions Liverpool for the third year running, they can take heart from their progress this campaign. After a Champions League semi-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain and another trophyless season, Arsenal remain Liverpool’s closest challengers heading into next term.
In a pointed remark about January’s lack of transfer activity, Arteta urged the club’s hierarchy to strengthen the squad this summer. “Finish the season, go to the beach and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do,” he said. “Our dream must stay clear. What we’ve done this season despite the injuries is incredible.”
For Newcastle, the defeat was a blow in an incredibly tight race for Champions League qualification. Eddie Howe’s side, currently third on goal difference, must now beat Everton in their final game on 25 May to control their own destiny. With Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea also in contention, the battle remains fierce.
Despite dominating large portions of the match, Newcastle lacked a cutting edge in the absence of injured top scorer Alexander Isak. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was tested repeatedly in the first half, making key saves from Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes and Dan Burn.
Newcastle looked the stronger side early on, but Arsenal improved after the break. William Saliba was forced off with an injury at half-time, replaced by Riccardo Calafiori. Yet it was Arsenal who struck first.
Martin Ødegaard played the ball to Rice, who unleashed a powerful first-time effort from the edge of the box past Nick Pope in the 55th minute. It was Rice’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions.
Arsenal nearly doubled their lead soon after, but Bukayo Saka’s strike was blocked. Ben White also came close with a thunderous long-range attempt.
Newcastle’s frustration showed, with substitute Emil Krafth booked less than a minute after coming on. Kai Havertz made his first appearance since February after a hamstring injury and was immediately caught up in a clash with Burn, who threw the ball at the German in a heated moment.
Former Arsenal man Joe Willock went close for Newcastle late on, but the hosts held firm in a tense finish.
