Arsenal booked their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League thanks to a sensational strike from Declan Rice, sealing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over top-five rivals Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Rice strike seals Gunners’ spot
The decisive moment came early in the second half when Martin Ødegaard picked out Rice on the edge of the area. The England midfielder unleashed a curling, first-time shot into the bottom corner—an unstoppable effort that proved to be the winner.
The goal ended Arsenal’s five-game winless run and secured a top-five finish with one game to spare, removing any pressure from the final day of the Premier League season.
“What we’ve done to sustain the level this season with everything that’s happened is incredible,” manager Mikel Arteta said.
“Finish the season, go to the beach, and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do. Our dream needs not to get blurry.”
Champions League return secured
While Liverpool have already clinched the league title, second-placed Arsenal are set to finish as Premier League runners-up for a third consecutive year. Despite another season without silverware, the club has now gone five years without a trophy; Arteta’s men remain strong contenders to challenge for top honours next season.
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Arsenal’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, reaffirmed their upward trajectory under Arteta.
Newcastle still in Champions League hunt
For third-placed Newcastle, defeat leaves their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance. They sit above Chelsea and Aston Villa only on goal difference, with Manchester City just behind in sixth and holding a game in hand against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
“It was one of our strongest away performances, but you have to score—and we didn’t. We’ve only got ourselves to blame,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
“We back ourselves at home under pressure, but now it all comes down to Everton.”
Newcastle, who had already beaten Arsenal three times this season, were without their injured top scorer, Alexander Isak, a loss that proved crucial. They must now beat Everton at St. James’ Park on May 25 to secure Champions League qualification.
