Arsenal secured Champions League football for next season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates. Declan Rice’s spectacular strike and a series of outstanding saves from David Raya were decisive as Mikel Arteta’s side guaranteed second place in the Premier League for a third straight year.
The match wasn’t without its early scares. A wayward clearance by Raya gifted Newcastle a chance, but the Spaniard redeemed himself with vital back-to-back saves from Bruno Guimaraes. Raya continued to shine, deflecting a Harvey Barnes shot and later denying Dan Burn and Sven Botman in a chaotic sequence.
Despite a sluggish first half, Arsenal broke the deadlock early in the second. Bukayo Saka pressed high, won possession, and weaved past defenders before setting up Martin Odegaard. The captain teed up Rice, who fired in a stunning shot from outside the area — Arsenal’s first goal against Newcastle in 52 attempts this season.
Even without star striker Alexander Isak, Newcastle pushed hard for an equalizer, but Arsenal held firm. After nearly 100 minutes, Rice’s goal proved decisive.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defense
- David Raya (8/10): Arsenal’s standout in the first half, making four crucial saves. While his distribution was shaky, his shot-stopping kept the team in the game.
- Ben White (5/10): Still finding his rhythm post-injury, but contributed to a clean sheet.
- William Saliba (6/10): Played his 100th league game but exited at halftime. Solid defensively amid some first-half chaos.
- Jakub Kiwior (7/10): Stepped up well in Gabriel’s absence, with key clearances and tackles.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10): Injected energy from the left side and made driving runs into midfield.
Midfield
- Thomas Partey (6/10): Broke up play when needed, though his passing choices sometimes disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm.
- Martin Odegaard (5/10): Assisted Rice’s winner but looked far from his best. Subbed off in injury time.
- Declan Rice (8/10): Had a quiet first half but came alive after the break with a decisive goal that sealed Arsenal’s Champions League qualification.
Attack
- Bukayo Saka (6/10): Not his sharpest outing, but his off-ball work was crucial in winning possession that led to the goal.
- Leandro Trossard (5/10): Played in various attacking roles but failed to influence the game. Subbed for Tierney.
- Gabriel Martinelli (6/10): Lacked attacking edge but helped relieve pressure with effective dribbling and tireless effort
