Arsenal vs Newcastle Report

Scorer: Rice 55’

Arsenal secured UEFA Champions League football for next season with a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle United in their final home game of the campaign. Declan Rice’s second-half strike was enough to clinch all three points in what was just the Gunners’ second win in seven Premier League matches, while the result also ensured a 12th win in 13 home H2Hs.

First Half – Goalkeepers Dominate a Cagey Opening

The match began in tense fashion, with both sides aware of the UCL implications. Arsenal nearly paid the price for a loose pass from David Raya early on, as Bruno Guimarães forced the Spaniard into a reflex save from close range. Raya was soon called into action again to tip Harvey Barnes’ powerful strike wide before producing another fine stop to deny Dan Burn’s header from Sandro Tonali’s corner.

Arsenal struggled to impose themselves in the final third during the first 45, but they came close to breaking the deadlock via a set-piece. Thomas Partey’s header from a Bukayo Saka corner looked destined for the net, only for Nick Pope to produce an excellent save to keep the scores level going into the break.

Second Half – Rice Returns to Deliver Vital Winner

After a lacklustre first period, Arsenal returned from the interval with renewed purpose and were rewarded shortly after the restart. Declan Rice, making his return to the starting XI, produced a superb first-time finish from the edge of the area after being teed up by Martin Ødegaard.

Buoyed by the opener, Arsenal pushed for a second. Saka forced Pope into another save with a low drive, while Ben White came close with a long-range effort that whistled past the upright. Despite their momentum, Arsenal’s recent struggles in seeing out leads nearly resurfaced as Barnes and Joe Willock missed decent opportunities to level the score for the visitors.

Conclusion – Arsenal Book Their UCL Return

In a match where goalkeepers shone brightly, it was Declan Rice’s moment of quality that ultimately made the difference. Arsenal welcomed back Kai Havertz late on to help see the game out, securing a crucial three points that confirm their return to Europe’s top table.

Newcastle, meanwhile, missed a chance to make history by becoming the first side ever to beat Arsenal four times in a single season. The Magpies now head into the final day of the campaign still battling to secure their own place in next season’s UCL.

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Arsenal v Newcastle, 2024/25 | Premier League