LONDON — Arsenal secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Declan Rice scored the winning goal in the 55th minute, ensuring the Gunners avoided a frantic final Premier League weekend and are now virtually certain of securing second place.
Newcastle were the better side early on but missed numerous chances against Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The Gunners, however, upped their game after the break, with Anthony Gordon losing possession to Martin Ødegaard, who played a square pass to Rice for an excellent first-time shot past Nick Pope.
The win gives Arsenal a boost ahead of their final match at Southampton next weekend. Newcastle, meanwhile, face a tense final-day showdown against Everton with their Champions League qualification spot hanging in the balance. The Magpies need a result to secure one of two remaining spots, while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest also have their fate decided by their respective matches.
In related news, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed his team after the match, urging them to keep the faith despite another trophyless campaign. Arteta vowed that the squad would strengthen in the summer transfer window, with a new striker being a priority. The long-term injury absence of Kai Havertz also derailed Arsenal’s chances, leaving the team searching for a reliable goal scorer.
With their win over Newcastle, Arsenal can now approach their final match at Southampton with confidence, while Newcastle must focus on securing a result to secure one of two remaining Champions League spots in the final round of games.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45210722/trophyless-again-arsenal-need-lift-win-vs-newcastle