Declan Rice’s stunning individual goal effectively clinched second place in the Premier League for Arsenal as they beat Newcastle United 1-0.
Newcastle went into the game having beaten Arsenal three times this season, including en route to EFL Cup glory, and it was they who had much the better of the opportunities in the first half despite missing talisman Alexander Isak because of a groin injury.
But the Magpies were denied by five first-half saves from the excellent David Raya, and Rice’s thunderbolt from the edge of the area 10 minutes into the second half proved decisive.
Arsenal are now assured of Champions League football and will almost certainly finish second. Newcastle still require a win over Everton on the final day next Sunday to be sure of playing at the same level of European competition next season.
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Newcastle, despite allowing Arsenal to have the lion’s share of possession, were by far the more threatening team in the first half and would have taken the lead had they not found Raya in particularly obdurate mood.
The Spaniard was almost the villain of the piece early on for Arsenal as his attempted clearance went to straight to Sandro Tonali, but he immediately redeemed himself as he twice had to claw away Bruno Guimaraes’ close-range effort after a Wilson lay-off.
Raya was tested again soon after, though his save from Tino Livramento after a Newcastle counter was more simple, that chance followed by Arsenal’s best opportunity of the first half as Nick Pope leapt at his near post to keep out Thomas Partey’s flicked header from a corner.
Pope was at full stretch for that save, and Raya found himself straining a lot of sinews to tip Harvey Barnes’ deflected strike around the post moments later.
He was instantly required to perform heroics again with another double save, first keeping out Dan Burn’s point-blank header and then Sven Botman’s follow-up.
Raya’s exhibition of first-half reflexes was rewarded in style by Rice. Arsenal were much improved after the break and, after Anthony Gordon surrendered possession wide on the left, Rice met Martin Odegaard’s pull back with an exquisitely struck strike that bent into the far corner.
Eddie Howe responded by shuffling his pack, reverting to four at the back after starting with three centre-backs, Emil Krafth, Lewis Miley and William Osula introduced.
His side almost fell victim to another long-range effort, this time from Ben White, which whistled narrowly wide, but the Magpies did come back into the game in the closing stages.
Harvey Barnes blasted high and wide after neat link-up play on the edge of the area and substitute Joe Willock lashed over at the end of a mazy run. Despite concerted late pressure, Newcastle could not find the goal to avoid a defeat that ensures their final day of the season will be a nervy one.
