Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE RESULT: Gunners qualify for Champions League as Declan Rice goal settles game against Toon
ARSENAL qualified for the Champions League after BEATING Newcastle at the Emirates.
Declan Rice scored the only goal of the game, as Arteta's side edged past the Toon.
Newcastle now look over their shoulders heading into the final day, with Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Aston Villa all winning this weekend.
They may have to end the season without Alexander Isak, who missed out with a minor groin injury.
- Kick-off time: 4:30pm BST
- Live stream: NOW TV
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier League
- Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
- Newcastle starting XI: Pope, Schar, Botman, Burn, Murphy, Bruno G, Tonali, Livramento, Barnes, Gordon, Wilson
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Always the bridesmaid, ever the bride
While Arsenal have all but sealed second spot in the table, it is now the third season in a row they have finished there.
It will be a concern that they do not seem able to take that big step from being the also-ran in title races.
Even more so that this campaign they look set to finish a country mile off champions Liverpool.
Credit: Getty Massive season to prepare for
Having been back by the board heavily, all The Gunners have to show for it is one FA Cup in six years under Mikel Arteta.
While the hierarchy seem to buy into the Spaniard's vision, you feel another trophyless season campaign could mean the end of the road for the Arsenal manager.
That piles the pressure on their summer transfer activity and taking this team from doubters to believers.
Raya gets reward for saves
David Raya was awarded the man of the match tag for the saves he made against Newcastle.
He frustrated The Magpies during a phase of the game where they dominated and could have scored three or four.
The Spaniard certainly saved his team today and was a huge reason why they took the three points.
Credit: Reuters
Odegaard not making same impact
There is no doubting that Martin Odegaard is integral to the success of this Arsenal team.
They look blunt without his creativity in the middle of the park.
However, the Norwegian's goal return was way down compared to recent seasons and was a contributory factor to The Gunners falling so far off the pace in the Premier League table.
Credit: Getty Midfielder shows glimpses of class
There is no doubting Declan Rice has been a brilliant addition to The Gunners and this season scored some crucial goals.
However, his numbers are still low and he needs to do it on more a regular basis.
If he can add more goals from midfield for his team, it will take the spotlight off their misfiring forward line.
Credit: Getty Magpies needing focus and grit
Eddie Howe needs to ensure that his team put in the sort of performance they did to win the Carabao Cup to make Champions League qualification a reality.
If they miss out on the top five, it will put a sour note on what has been an impressive season for the club.
It could have been so different in North London but they really missed Alexander Isak up front.
Boss reviews campaign for Gunners
Speaking with Sky Sports, Arteta gave his assessment:
Well we are clearly very disappointed as we wanted to be here with the Premier League or Champions League and that is not the case. But considering the injuries we had, to sustain the levels we did was amazing. Because of the mindset and standards we have set at this club we will continue going. We are there, nobody wants us to be there, and we have been for two or three seasons. We will go to the beach and enjoy a few days and make sure the people upstairs do what they need to do.
Mikel ArtetaMagpies pay for missed chances
Newcastle created enough opportunities in the first-half to put this game to bed.
Heading into the interval goalless seemed to deflate Eddie Howe's side.
After the break they did not have the same momentum and hunger to dominate Arsenal and paid the ultimate price.
Credit: Reuters View from SunSport's Lloyd Canfield at The Emirates
Despite a late Newcastle push for an equaliser, including a corner in which Nick Pope got in the Arsenal box to attack, the Gunners were able to hold on and secure all three points at home.
A brawl kicked off at the death, with David Raya and Dan Burn both in amongst it, but that was soon dealt with by the referee.
"1-0 to the Arsenal" rang around the Emirates as both sets of players surrounded the referee, and he blew the full-time whistle there and then without resuming play.
The Gunners secure mathematical qualification for the Champions League next season, without it going down to the final day, and will look to avenge this season's heartbreak in that competition in the 25/26 rendition of the tournament.
Results set up special finish
As it stands, only one point separates five teams in the race for Champions League qualification.
Liverpool and Arsenal are clear of the pack but the others are all looking to take the remaining three top five spots.
It is going to be a enthralling finish to the Premier League season.
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
It was a very even game between the two sides.
However, Declan Rice's stunning strike was the difference between the teams.
Mikel Arteta will be content that they have taken all three points in their final home game of the campaign.
FT: Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
The refereee brings the game to a close.
Arsenal have confirmed their Champions League place for next season.
They also look set to secure second place in the table.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
90+8. As a corner comes in Raya comes to collect it.
It all kicks off between the two teams as he takes offence to a challenge from a Newcastle player.
Tonali is shown a yellow card for his involvement.
This is another never-ending game it seems, we are in added time to the added time.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
90+6. What a chance for the visitors.
Raya comes to collect a cross and drops it but Osula does not react quickly enough and pokes a weak effort towards the goal.
The Spaniard's blushes are saved as a covering defender hacks it clear.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
90+4. Miley tries to clip a cross over the hosts' defence.
Raya comes to collect and fumbles, which intices Osula to put a challenge in on the Spaniard.
As he does not get any of the ball it allows the keeper to fall to floor and run the clock down.
Credit: Getty
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
90+2. The Gunners are still trying to find another goal.
Newcastle need to use this to win it back and break with pace to see if they can salvage a point.
It will be a nervy end to the season if they come away from the capital with nothing today.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
90. The Gunners just need to see this one out now.
Odegaard is penalised for a foul and Newcastle take it quickly.
He is still arguing the toss with the referee as the visitors stream forward.
We are going to have five added minutes.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
88. Trossard is down and receiving some treatment.
Arteta readies another change as Tierney comes on for the Belgian.
Be interesting to see he reshuffles here as they are two completely different players.
This shows why people question the depth of this squad, bringing on a defender for a striker.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
86. The Magpies are trying to turn the screw now.
Havertz wins it back but has his pocket picked and falls to the floor expecting a free-kick.
The referee is not falling for it and The Magpies are able to break.
Credit: Reuters Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
84. A bit like their fixture at Anfield last weekend, Arsenal have looked a different team in this second-half.
Livramento drills a low cross into the box but the hosts clear.
Newcastle recycle it and Willock twists and turns in the box before getting a shot away.
Raya is happy to see it sail over the target.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
82. If The Gunners can hold onto this win, it makes their last game of the season a gentle run-out with nothing at stake.
Arsenal seem content to play keep-ball now to infuriate the visitors.
Having to chase the ball but unable to take it off Arteta's side.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
80. Schar steps up to strike the free-kick but sends his effort straight into the wall.
Newcastle are throwing more players forward now in search of a goal.
They are really missing Isak as a focal point as the spearhead of their attack this afternoon.
However, the Swede's injury record is probably the one thing making clubs think twice of making bids for him, which will please Eddie Howe.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
78. Osula swings a cross from out wide.
He cannot find a teammate in the box.
Tonali looks to win the ball back and is upended as the referee awards a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle
76. Saka makes way for the returning Havertz.
Moments earlier Barnes had a half-chance on the edge of the box but he sent his first-time shot well over the crossbar.
It is his last contribution as he is replaced by Willock.
Credit: EPA View from SunSport's Lloyd Canfield at The Emirates
Declan Rice's opener has massively lifted everyone willing the Gunners on to win here at the Emirates.
That's what you should expect from a player who came with his price tag, as his side now look way more up for it and in control.
Newcastle's host of changes don't seem to have improved their side massively, but with plenty of attacking threat still on the pitch and Arsenal only having a one-goal lead, this game is far from over.