Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League reaction as Gunners secure Champions League football with win
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle: Declan Rice’s sweeping effort secures a well-earned win for the Gunners
A Declan Rice stunner ensured Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The first half at the Emirates saw the visiting side dominate proceedings, with Bruno Guimaraes and Harvey Barnes going close as David Raya was forced into several good saves.
But the Gunners came out for the second half rejuvenated and soon took control of the game, with a period of pressure telling as Declan Rice swept in a brilliant finish from range to give his side the lead.
Both sides threatened at various points from then but it was Arsenal who had the better chances, with Newcastle rarely creating anything clear-cut.
And it was the Gunners who were able to see out the result, guaranteeing themselves a return to Champions League football and all but securing third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League.
Follow all the reaction from the Emirates below:
Declan Rice the fitting hero to ensure Champions League football for Arsenal
Perhaps it was appropriate that Real Madrid’s nemesis ensured Arsenal have more Champions League dates on their calendar next year. Rice may have fashioned Arsenal’s greatest European nights since the 2000s with his twin man-of-the-match displays and brace of stunning free kicksagainst the continent’s superpower. It was fitting, then, that the goal that guaranteed a top-five finish and their ticket for a reunion with the European elite came from Rice, and that it was another terrific strike.
In the process, he almost certainly secured a third successive second-place finish; an unwanted hat-trick, some might say, but preferable when it seemed Arsenal might finish third in a two-horse title race. “We have built something sustainable and consistent,” said Mikel Arteta. “We had a clear dream to deliver a trophy this season to our people. Unfortunately we haven't done it, understanding the circumstances we've been through. But you have to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't confuse you and allow you to see all the incredible things this team are doing.”
Jamie Vardy provides fitting farewell to Leicester with 200th goal for the club
Jamie Vardy wrapped up his Leicester career in style after scoring his 200th goal in his 500th and final appearance for the club in a 2-0 victory over fellow relegated club Ipswich.
The 38-year-old former England striker had a fitting finale with the Foxes as be bid farewell to the club exactly 13 years to the day that he signed from Fleetwood for £1million.
Vardy leaves with quite the legacy on Filbert Way, having helped Leicester produce the ‘great escape’ from relegation in 2015 before winning the Premier League title at 5,000-1 odds the following year alongside an FA Cup win in 2021.
Jamie Vardy provides fitting farewell to Leicester with 200th goal for the club
Everton sign off from Goodison Park with emotional win over Southampton
Iliman Ndiaye scored the last goals at Goodison Park as Everton signed off 133 years of history with a fitting 2-0 win over an abject Southampton.
Nottingham Forest’s Horace Pike had the honour of being first on the scoresheet here in September 1892 – Fred Geary registered the Toffees’ first in the 2-2 draw – but Senegal international Ndiaye had the final say.
The 2,791st men’s senior match at the ground was a celebration from beginning to end as fans said farewell to the old in anticipation of the new with the pending move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton sign off from Goodison Park with emotional win over Southampton
Mikel Arteta addresses ‘rift’ rumours with Andrea Berta as Arsenal chase Sesko and Gyokeres
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed speculation of a rift with the club's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, over summer transfer targets.
Rumours circulating on social media suggested disagreements between Arteta and Berta, who replaced Edu in March, regarding the pursuit of a new striker.
Arsenal are reportedly targeting RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Mikel Arteta addresses ‘rift’ rumours as Arsenal chase targets
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal may have to break transfer budget in striker pursuit
Mikel Arteta has suggested Arsenal may exceed their transfer budget to acquire a striker this summer.
The Gunners will finish the season trophyless after their Champions League semi-final exit.
A new striker is Arteta's priority, as Kai Havertz, currently the club's top scorer in the league with nine goals, has been sidelined for nearly four months.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal may have to break transfer budget in striker pursuit
Why Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal
Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has not been included in the Magpies’ squad for the match against Arsenal at the Emirates today.
Eddie Howe’s side take on the Gunners in Sunday’s late kick-off with both sides hoping to all but secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
But Newcastle have been dealt a blow as star striker Alexander Isak has been ruled out, with the club confirming that the Sweden international misses out due to a groin problem.
Why Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal
Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
Mikel Arteta apologised to Arsenal supporters for failing to deliver on his dream of ending the club’s two-decade wait for a Premier League title.
Declan Rice’s second-half strike fired Arsenal to a 1-0 win over Newcastleand confirmed their place in the Champions League next season.
However, the Gunners failed to launch a serious challenge to Liverpool this season and are set to finish runners-up in the league for a third consecutive campaign.
Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
Paul Merson fires warning to Mikel Arteta after Arsenal secure second place for third consecutive season
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has warned Mikel Arteta that he must keep his side in the top two of the Premier League next season if he wants to stay in the job next season.
Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to all but secure second place in the Premier League for the third season in a row – barring a staggering turnaround in goal difference – but on Sky Sports after the match, Merson warned that Arteta needs to turn good performances into trophies quickly.
"Arteta has got until Christmas. They will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going,” said the 57-year-old.
Paul Merson fires warning to Mikel Arteta after Arsenal secure second place
Match facts
Declan Rice’s opener was his 19th goal involvements in all competitions this season (nine goals, 10 assists), with only Bukayo Saka (25) having a hand in more for Arsenal this term.
Howe: "We have to do our job against Everton"
Eddie Howe spoke to BBC after the match.
"We came under pressure at the start of the second half and you need to ride that storm and we had. Declan Rice produces that spectacular finish from that range. We did everything we could to get a goal.
"From our perspective, we got too passive and became a little bit sloppy on the ball. We'll learn from that. You do have times like that away from home.
"We have to take all the positives from that first half performance. We looked strong. Nick [Pope] didn't have too much to do.
"He's [Alexander Isak] got a bit of swelling in a muscle in his groin. He's only got seven days to get himself fit. Fingers crossed he can get there.
"It's obviously great for everyone to watch and we have to do our job against Everton."
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