The Gunners all-but cemented second place in the Premier League for a third season running thanks to a narrow victory over the Magpies
Arsenal booked their place in next season's Champions League thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Newcastle on Sunday, locking down Champions League qualification from the Premier League in the process. The Magpies would have leapfrogged the Gunners to second in the standings had they taken the three points, but ultimately came up short as Mikel Arteta's men emerged triumphant.
The hosts played themselves into trouble early on when David Raya's low kick was cut out by Sandro Tonali. The Italian slipped in Callum Wilson, whose cutback was aimed goal-wards by Bruno Guimaraes, but he was denied by two scrambling saves from the apologetic Spaniard between the sticks.
Raya then had to be at his best to tip behind a deflected drive from Harvey Barnes, and the Gunners survived an almighty goalmouth scramble which saw their goalkeeper keep out Dan Burn and Sven Botman from a troublesome corner.
Despite that testing first half, Arsenal went in front shortly after the restart. Bukayo Saka won possession high up the pitch and tiptoed away from two defenders before passing to Martin Odegaard, who cut the ball back for Declan Rice to sweep home from the edge of the box – the Gunners' first goal against Newcastle this season after 52 shots across four games.
Newcastle were without in-demand striker Alexander Isak but they threw all they had remaining at Arsenal in search of an equaliser, though that wasn't enough to really trouble Arteta's side and Rice's goal proved to be the only one in north London after nearly 100 minutes of action.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…
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David Raya (8/10):
Without Raya's four impressive saves in the first half, Arsenal would not have won and instead been staring down the barrel of defeat. Even despite his wayward kicking, they are indebted to their goalkeeper.
Ben White (5/10):
Appeared rusty as he continues to build up match fitness again after a lengthy spell on the treatment table, though at least was able to contribute to a clean sheet.
William Saliba (6/10):
The Frenchman's 100th Premier League appearance was cut short at half-time, with Calafiori taking his place. Defended his box well even if there was a bit of a mess in front of him.
Jakub Kiwior (7/10):
Arsenal fans had their doubts over the Polish defender coming into the line up after Gabriel Magalhaes' season was ended by injury, but for the most part he's performed well, no more so than today after stepping up with a series of clearances and tackles.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):
Motored into midfield and down the left flank to try and bring some life into Arsenal's game when there was none.
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Thomas Partey (6/10):
Swept up when Arsenal were under pressure, though sometimes didn't help that cause with his decision-making.
Martin Odegaard (5/10):
The stats will show Odegaard supplied a crucial assist, yes, but he still looks a shadow of the star who was in contention for Player of the Year last season. Came off for Jorginho in added time.
Declan Rice (8/10):
Didn't contribute a lot in the first half when Arsenal were struggling, yet it was so typical of the season he's had that the £105m midfielder came up with a pearler to save the day.
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Bukayo Saka (6/10):
Hardly a vintage performance from Arsenal's starboy but he put in one hell of a shift off the ball for the cause, and this ultimately led to Rice's winner, stripping Gordon of possession to begin the move. Subbed for the returning Havertz late on.
Leandro Trossard (5/10):
Flittered between centre-forward and left wing with Martinelli, but the veteran Belgian was largely ineffective wherever he popped up. Came off for Tierney.
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
Pretty blunt in attack, though made himself useful with a tireless work ethic and alleviated pressure with clever dribbling.
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Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):
Came on at the break for Saliba. Wasn't afraid to get forward and support in attack.
Kai Havertz (6/10):
Made his return from injury as a replacement for Saka.
Kieran Tierney (N/A):
Afforded the chance to say a fond farewell ahead of his summer departure, coming on for Trossard.
Jorginho (N/A):
Likewise could soak up the Emirates adulation one last time before leaving, replacing Odegaard in added time.
Mikel Arteta (7/10):
Arsenal were clearly second-best after the first half, but they made the requisite changes to improve and get the job done.