- Declan Rice scored a superb winner to seal Arsenal’s Champions League berth
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A superb Declan Rice strike earned Arsenal a 1-0 home victory over Newcastle to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side knew victory in their final home match of the campaign would all but ensure they finish second in this season’s Premier League.
Newcastle, who could have overtaken Arsenal with a victory, saw their hopes dented through the absence of top scorer Alexander Isak through injury.
The Gunners secured the vital breakthrough in the 55th minute, with Rice curling a fine effort beyond Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
While the victory confirmed Arsenal’s Champions League spot next season, Newcastle will need to beat Everton on the final day next weekend to seal their place in Europe’s elite club competition.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN was at the Emirates and rates the players from both sides.
Declan Rice scored the winner as Arsenal beat Newcastle to seal a Champions League spot
Rice curled a fine finish past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope from the edge of the box
Newcastle remain third but Eddie Howe’s side face a crucial final game next weekend
ARSENAL (4-3-3):
DAVID RAYA: 8
Poor pass to Sandro Tonali early on but then made a string of important saves to keep Arsenal in the game. That included a reflex save on Dan Burn’s header from a corner-kick.
BEN WHITE: 6
Seemed sluggish at times in the backline, particularly in first half. Required his team-mates to intervene in some defensive scenarios. His shot on 69 minutes whistled just wide.
WILLIAM SALIBA: 6.5
Did well to cover White on different occasions. Substituted at half-time.
JAKUB KIWIOR: 7.5
Got stuck in with solid challenges and looked assured. Was helped with no Alexander Isak to contend with.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY: 7
Comfortable in possession and good bursts in tight pockets of space.
MARTIN ODEGAARD: 6.5
Had spurts on the ball forward throughout. Assisted Declan Rice for his goal with a well-executed pass.
THOMAS PARTEY: 6.5
Provided the needed defensive cover in front of the back four. Dropped deep to help disperse play.
DECLAN RICE: 7.5
Not to his usual standards early on, but pulled off a well-taken finish into the bottom-left corner to score. Steps up to the plate once again.
BUKAYO SAKA: 6
Saw more of the ball in second half. Newcastle were wary of the winger, so ensured the supply to him was limited.
LEANDRO TROSSARD: 7
Good dribbling throughout. Looked lively on the ball and kept wanting to make things happen.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI: 6
Lack of end product. Felt isolated at times on the left flank.
Substitutes –
RICCARDO CALAFIORI: 6.5
KAI HAVERTZ: N/A
Manager –
MIKEL ARTETA: 6.5
After a torrid first half, will be delighted to walk away with three points.
NEWCASTLE (3-4-2-1):
NICK POPE: 6.5
Made a good reflex save off Partey’s header on a corner. Stayed alert from the start.
FABIAN SCHAR: 5.5
Seemed a weak line in the defence and was dominated aerially by the opposition forwards.
SVEN BOTMAN: 6.5
Made important tackles in trying to keep the Arsenal attack at bay.
DAN BURN: 7.5
Made some class through balls and a few crunching tackles. Forced Raya into a big save from his header.
JACOB MURPHY: 6
Didn’t have the impetus to create meaningful attacks and break the opposition lines.
BRUNO GUIMARAES: 7
Newcastle’s architect in the middle. Involved in much of their build-up play and helped play tick over.
SANDRO TONALI: 6.5
Had a good chance early on when Raya passed the ball to him. Put in a real shift and needed more from his team-mates.
TINO LIVRAMENTO: 6.5
Made an effort to get forward on attacks and a few times found himself in threatening positions.
HARVEY BARNES: 6
His slaloming run on 16 minutes, as he ran through multiple players, resulted in a saved shot. Needed to provide more, though.
ANTHONY GORDON: 5.5
Off the boil. Signs of promise when he had the chance to run at the opposition backline early on, but wasn’t often enough. Gave the ball away in build-up to Rice’s goal.
CALLUM WILSON: 5.5
Made some good runs but didn’t receive the ball when needed. A quiet display.
Substitutions –
LEWIS MILEY: 6
WILLIAM OSULA: 6
EMIL KRAFTH: 6
JOE WILLOCK: N/A
Manager –
EDDIE HOWE: 6
Will be disappointed that his side didn’t capitalise when on top in the opening half hour.
Referee –
SIMON HOOPER: 6
