Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will finish the Premier League in second place for the third straight season after Declan Rice’s second half goal secured a 1-0 win for the Gunners over Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Gunners went into the match looking to avoid losing four games against the Magpies this season, and came close to going ahead within the opening five minutes through Thomas Partey, who was denied by a fine Nick Pope save.
But it was Newcastle that came close to scoring afterwards as Arsenal goalkeeper, David Raya, was kept busy by the visitors and ended the half with five saves as both teams went into the break goalless.
Arsenal wasted no time in settling the nerves around the Emirates Stadium when Martin Odegaard crisp pass when surrounded by three Newcastle players was swept home by Rice with a first-time shot from the edge of the area eight minutes into the second half.
The win puts Arsenal on 71 points after 37 games, five points clear of Newcastle in third place, while sixth-placed Manchester City on 65 points can only finish level on points with Arsenal, who have the upper-hand on the Cityzens in the head-to-head this season.