Football | Arsenal 1 - 0 Newcastle United

Declan Rice stunner seals Arsenal win over Newcastle

A moment of brilliance from Declan Rice was enough to lift an otherwise flat Arsenal side to victory over Newcastle, confirming their place in next season’s Champions League.

Author - DJ

The midfielder struck midway through the second half, curling a first-time effort from 20 yards after a neat pass from Martin Ødegaard. It was a goal of real quality, and one that brought life to a subdued Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta’s team struggled to find rhythm for long spells.

Newcastle, still well placed to secure Champions League qualification themselves, were the more threatening side during the first half. Despite being without top scorer Alexander Isak, sidelined with a groin injury, they forced several saves from David Raya. The Arsenal goalkeeper had to be sharp to deny Bruno Guimarães, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Sven Botman during a frenetic opening period.

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But it was Rice who provided the decisive moment in the 55th minute, ensuring that Arsenal ended their final home match of the season on a high. The result takes the Gunners to 71 points, leaving only Manchester City (currently sixth with two games in hand and six points adrift) able to match their total. However, Arsenal’s superior goal difference means they are effectively out of reach.

Arsenal fan reaction

We managed to speak with a couple of Arsenal fans after the match who were both happy and some aspects of the performance that went with it.

Peter said: "Perfect way to end the season at home! Newcastle normally have a way of beating us but today we showed we can win games without being at our best. A positive sign ahead of next season."

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Philip added: "Another game of two halves but we needed that win. Not only to effectively secure second, but to finally finish above City (could be useful to know we can next year) and because we have played three sub-par games against this Newcastle side without a win. We are still too passive on the ball though. We let the game happen to us rather than taking action more. The summer very much needed."