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:
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
51 mins
Great turn from Lewis-Skelly on the edge of the box, but his shot is blocked by Schar.
From the corner, Rice’s delivery causes some pinball in the box before Saka’s header is eventually collected by Pope.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
48 mins
Arsenal enjoying plenty of the ball as the second half begins but the attacking is a bit flat, before Saka’s cross to the back post is eventually cleared.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Newcastle are without Isak and Arsenal are now without their two main centre-backs, so that will be a clash of understudies: Callum Wilson versus Riccardo Calafiori and Jakub Kiwior. It also means Arsenal have a rare partnership of two left-footed centre-backs.
Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
46 mins
William Saliba has made way for Riccardo Calafiori for the second half.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
The referee gets the second half started at the Emirates.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
Both sides are back out at the Emirates, so we’ll be underway in the second half soon.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
So, Newcastle on top after an encouraging half of football in which they’ve certainly had the better chances.
Arsenal have threatened at times but so far they’re plating straight into Newcastle’s hands.
Nevertheless, this result sort of suits both sides, with Arsenal securing a spot in the Champions League with a draw. Newcastle will be more keen for a win, with City and Chelsea lurking.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle
That has quietened down after a terrific start. Arsenal have drawn a lot this season but another draw would take them into the Champions League, so 0-0 may suit them.
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