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 vs Newcastle LIVE
Both sides are in the tunnel at the Emirates now, so we’re around five minutes from kick-off.
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
Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE
Match facts
The Gunners have only lost their final home league game of the season once in the past 27 seasons, winning 22 and drawing four.
Newcastle accrued their 20th Premier League win of the season against Chelsea last weekend, the first time they've won 20 or more games in a single campaign in the competition for 22 years since they picked up 21 victories under Sir Bobby Robson.
Head-to-head
These two sides have met 196 times in the past, with Arsenal winning 85, Newcastle winning 79, and 39 ending as draws.
So far this season, Newcastle have won all three meetings between the sides – 1-0 in the league and 2-0 in each leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Newcastle, Man City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa: Who has the best run-in?
With just a few matches remaining of the Premier League season the race for Champions League qualification is going down to the wire.
Newcastle United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will battle to secure the final spots in Europe’s premier cup competition, with Arsenal having all but secured their place and Liverpool crowned as champions.
Arne Slot’s sealed their 20th top-flight title at a canter, while the three relegation spots already confirmed, leaving the race for the top five as all that’s left to provide drama before the final weekend.
The race for the Champions League: Who has the best run-in?
Arsenal have lost three times to Newcastle this season but may be buoyed by the team news today, with Declan Rice fit to return for them and Alexander Isak out for the Carabao Cup winners.
A minor groin strain is the reason, suggesting he might be able to return against Everton on the final day. But win today and Newcastle would not need him to. One way or another, one of these sides will in effect be in the Champions League at the final whistle today.
Match facts
Newcastle have won eight of their last 10 league and cup matches, drawing one and losing one.
However, they've failed to win either of their past two away matches in the Premier League, losing at Aston Villa and drawing with Brighton.
Match facts
Arsenal are without a win in five league and cup matches, drawing two and losing three.
They are also winless in their last four home games in all competitions, losing the last two.
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.
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