Arsenal took a giant step toward securing second place in the Premier League after a gritty 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night. Declan Rice’s thunderous second-half strike sealed the three points and ended the Gunners’ winless run against the Magpies this season.
Declan Rice Screamer Sinks Newcastle
In a high-stakes clash for Champions League positioning, Mikel Arteta’s side was far from dominant in the first half despite enjoying 57.9% possession. Newcastle looked sharper and more threatening, registering 10 shots to Arsenal’s five, with five efforts on target in 18 minutes.
Only goalkeeper David Raya’s heroics kept the Gunners in the game during the early onslaught. But after weathering the storm, Arsenal became stronger in the second half.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute. Captain Martin Ødegaard picked up the ball in midfield and laid it off to Declan Rice at the top of the box. Without hesitation, Rice unleashed a powerful curling effort into the top corner, a goal worthy of winning any match.
Arteta Suspended for Final Game After Yellow Card Incident
Newcastle continued to press for an equaliser but couldn’t find their rhythm in the final third. In the 79th minute, Arteta’s moment of frustration saw him kick the ball back into play, which the referee interpreted as time-wasting. It earned him his third yellow card of the season, meaning the Arsenal boss will be suspended for the season finale against Southampton.
Despite late pressure, the Gunners held on for a crucial win in their first against Newcastle in four attempts this campaign.
League Table: Arsenal Firmly in Second, City’s Hopes Fading
With the victory, Arsenal moved to 71 points, trailing only champions Liverpool. Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are locked on 66 points, with Nottingham Forest just behind on 65. Manchester City, who still have two games in hand, are mathematically in the race for second but face an uphill battle.
For City to overtake Arsenal, they’d need to win both remaining fixtures, hope Arsenal lose their final match, and overturn a 10-goal difference. It’s a long shot at best.
Speaking after the match, Arteta addressed the Emirates crowd with passion and optimism:
“We dreamed of bringing you a trophy this season. Sadly, it didn’t happen. But this is just the beginning. We will keep chasing that dream, and next season, we go again stronger, better, and ready to win.”
His words were met with roaring approval from the home crowd, many of whom believe a new golden era may be dawning in North London.
Vardy Scores in Farewell Appearance for Leicester
Elsewhere, in a touching moment for English football fans, Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy scored in what is likely his final game for the Foxes. In a 2-0 win over fellow relegated side Ipswich Town, the 38-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 28th minute, marking his 200th goal for the club in his 500th appearance.
Vardy’s fairytale story from non-league football to Premier League champion has become a legend. His farewell goal was a fitting final chapter to one of the most inspiring careers in English football history.
