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:
Rice: "We've been poor by our standards"
Declan Rice is also speaking to Sky.
“We've been poor by our standards the last few weeks in the league,” he says.
“We went so hard in the Champions League that our form dropped in the Premier League. Newcastle are such an in-form side and the manager's message was clear, take it personal. We grew into the game and we showed that grit and three points at home, great way to end the league at home.
"We have to be at the level every week, we had such a good chance in the Champions League we had momentum with that and the league slipped away a few weeks ago. Today to win was massive and Newcastle are such a good side.”
On the season overall, he adds: "Difficult. After coming so close in the league last year, we were poor this year by our standards. To go out of every cup competition - with the players and the manager we've got - we need to be competing for titles and trophies, we can't take anything for granted. We're probably going to lose a few players so we need to sign more players. We'll strengthen over the summer. We're going to come back more hungry and stronger wanting to win something for this club."
More from Arteta
More from Arteta here.
"We're clearly very disappointed because we wanted to be here with the Premier League or the Champions League and it's not the case. But chasing a dream has its ups and downs,” he says.
"As well, make sure it doesn't get blurry and it doesn't get recognised what we've done. Any other team - and I've seen it with one injury to finishing eighth, fifth, 16th, 17th. What the team has done to sustain the levels throughout the season with everything that happened is incredible. I have to value what these guys have done."
When asked if this was his most testing season at Arsenal, he replies: "Yeah, because of the culture that we set, because of the standards and the mindset we have set at this football club, that regardless what happens you have to do your best and that's exactly what we have done."
“If you raise expectations that is what's coming. We are there. Nobody wants us to be there. We have been there now for three or four seasons. And they're going to want to take us from there. And that will be difficult.”
When asked how big the summer ahead is, he says: "We go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do!"
Merson reacts
Speaking on Sky, Paul Merson says that Arteta has “put the heart back in the club”.
“If you look at the all-round picture, four, five years ago they were also-rans, the club's gone, it's going nowhere. He [Mikel Arteta] put the heart back in the club. The fans are here, they turn up every week again. They're not far away, they need a centre forward.
“[They've had] a couple of injuries here and there and I know people go, 'everyone has injuries', no, they don't. Not to key, key players. I always say it, if you took [Mohamed] Salah and [Virgil van] Dijk out of that Liverpool team, believe me that is not winning the league if they're out for a long period of time. And that's what's happened, [Bukayo] Saka's a big player for them, [Kai] Havertz, people have a go at him, he's a big player. When he hasn't been playing he's been missed.
“They need a couple of players. I hope he doesn't end up like [Arsene] Wenger did a couple of years into his reign when everyone knew they needed a centre-back. They need a centre forward.,” he added.
Declan Rice’s stunning strike secures Arsenal’s Champions League place
Declan Rice’s second-half strike fired Arsenal to a 1-0 win against Newcastle at the Emirates and a place in next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya kept his side in the match with a string of fine saves prior to the interval before Rice delivered from range with 55 minutes gone.
Arsenal’s victory moves them five points clear of third-placed Newcastle with just one match remaining.
Declan Rice’s stunning strike secures Arsenal’s Champions League place
Arteta: "We had a dream"
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also spoke on the pitch after the match.
"We had a dream, it was to be here in a week's time and bring the big trophies to you guys and we couldn't do it for many circumstances,” he said.
“We need to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't get blurry and make sure we chase the dream with positivity and enthusiasm for next season.
"We have to start creating our own history here in this stadium and we started this season. There is much more to come and it won't be easy. These players have the talent.
"We need to rest and finish at Southampton and then go on holiday. Any other club in this position would finish in a position that we cannot even dream of,” he added,
Odegaard: "We can be proud of what we've done"
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard spoke on the pitch after the match.
"We can be proud of what we've done, especially in the Champions League, we had a great run there and some great experiences,” he said.
“We have to accept we haven't been good enough in the league, but we have to take all experiences, good and bad, take them into next season and be better.
"Unbelievable [Champions League], those are the nights we live for. To play here at home with that support. Great game and hopefully we can have many moments like that next season. Unbelievable to feel that and the love from the fans.
"We want to thank the fans. We always feel the love, the support we have is amazing so thank you. We have to use all experiences from this season, to feel that pain of not winning and take it to next season and come back stronger and bring the club some trophies next season."
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
Newcastle end the weekend in third, though they could drop a place if City win their game in hand against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
The Magpies are currently on 66 point, with City on 65.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
That result also all but secures second place for Arsenal.
They sit in second on 71 points, and though Manchester City could join them on that points total, the Gunners have a 10-goal advantage in terms of goal difference.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
A hat-trick for Arsenal, who will finish second for a third consecutive season.
Newcastle are third but it is so congested they will have a nervy week.
At least they know their fate is in their own hands. But they really must hope Isak is fit to give them a threat.
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