Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday, leaving the Gunners just one point behind seventh-placed Nottingham Forest and within reach of a top-five finish in the Premier League.
Declan Rice’s superb strike in the 55th minute sealed the points for Arsenal, avenging three previous losses to Newcastle this season. The victory lifted Arsenal to 71 points, 12 behind runaway champions Liverpool, but mathematically out of reach of all other teams below them barring Manchester City.
Newcastle remained third with 66 points, just one point ahead of Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, who also have 66 points. The two teams will face each other in their final game next weekend, while Arsenal will host Manchester United on Sunday.
The win marked a significant boost for Arsenal’s Champions League hopes, which are now all but secured. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his desire to make a strong finish, saying: “We deserve it from the journey we have been through in the last three, four years.”
Nottingham Forest guaranteed a return to European competition after their win over West Ham, while Aston Villa sealed fifth place with 66 points. The teams will face each other next weekend, and their final games will determine who finishes third.
The Premier League’s top five are now set for a photo finish, with all four teams still in contention for the Champions League spot. The final day promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/arsenal-get-job-done-top-five-fight-set-photo-finish-2025-05-18