Arsenal beat Newcastle to seal Champions League spot

Another superb Declan Rice strike earned Arsenal a victory over Newcastle, securing the Gunners a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side had looked flat and uninspiring until Rice produced an exquisite curling finish from outside the box, ensuring second-placed Arsenal ended their home campaign on a winning note.

The Gunners had goalkeeper David Raya to thank in the first half, as Newcastle — who remain in strong contention for a Champions League place — posed serious threats despite the absence of their top scorer, Alexander Isak, sidelined with a groin injury.

Raya was called into action early, making smart saves to deny Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman within the opening 20 minutes, as third-placed Newcastle started brightly.

However, Rice broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a first-time shot from 20 yards after a well-timed pass from Martin Ødegaard, shifting the momentum in Arsenal’s favour.

The win lifts Arsenal to 71 points. Only sixth-placed Manchester City, on 65 points with two games remaining, can match their total, but the Gunners have a significantly superior goal difference.

Newcastle, meanwhile, head into their final game at home against Everton needing a win to secure a top-five finish — barring an unlikely goal difference swing.