Arsenal have sealed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after beating Newcastle United 1-0 on Sunday.
Declan Rice scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, helping the Gunners grab three important points at the Emirates Stadium.
The win also ends Newcastle’s recent good run against Arsenal. Before this match, Newcastle had beaten the Gunners three times this season.
Speaking after the match, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta praised his players for fighting back after a poor first half. “We knew we had to win. I told the players to wake up at half-time, and they responded well,” he said.
Rice’s goal came from a powerful shot outside the box that flew into the bottom corner, giving Arsenal the lead and sending fans into celebration.
Goalkeeper David Raya was named man of the match for his brilliant performance. He made several key saves in the first half to keep the team in the game. He stopped shots from Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento, and made a double save from Dan Burn and Sven Botman during a corner kick.
Newcastle started strong, putting pressure on Arsenal and creating many chances. But their top striker Alexander Isak missed the game, and they failed to score.
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe said his players missed a big opportunity. “We had the chances, especially in the first half. But we didn’t take them, and Arsenal punished us,” Howe said.
With this win, Arsenal are now sure of finishing second in the Premier League. They also qualify again for Europe’s biggest club tournament after their semi-final exit this year against Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle must now beat Everton next weekend to be sure of finishing in the top five and securing a European spot.
This is the third straight season Arsenal will finish in second place under Arteta. Fans are now hoping the team can finally win the title next season.
