Arsenal secured their Champions League berth for next season with a 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners had a difficult start to the game as the Magpies started with superb intensity.
Goalkeeper David Raya made several stand-out saves, and Arsenal were fortunate to go into the break with a 0-0 scoreline, based on the chances created.
The Gunners stepped up their performance after the interval. Declan Rice secured the slender victory with a sublime curling strike from the edge of the box.
Rice had a slow opening half against the Magpies, but made the difference with a vital goal, which confirmed Arsenal’s Champions League status next term.
The 1-0 win also boosted Aston Villa’s prospects of doing so. They are just goal difference behind the Magpies, heading into the final league game of the campaign.
Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers were definitely impressed with Rice’s contribution yesterday. The Villa attacking duo responded to the midfielder’s Instagram post.
Watkins commented ‘on fire bro’ while Rogers simply replied with a fire emoji.
Here are screenshots
Aside from his winning moment, Rice made five recoveries and won six duels against the Magpies. He had a 100 percent tackle success rate and completed his solitary dribble.
The Englishman has had a fine second season with the Gunners. He has been brilliant since becoming a regular number eight. He has registered nine goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Rice will be aiming for a 20th goal contribution in the final game of the campaign against Southampton at St Mary’s.
The Saints have conceded a staggering 84 goals from 37 games. The Gunners should fancy a comfortable victory.
Meanwhile, the club are set for an exciting summer with the possibility of multiple additions to the squad.
A marquee striker and a versatile winger could be signed. The Gunners are already poised to recruit Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after their long-term pursuit.
Watkins was under consideration to bolster the club’s strike force last winter, but the hierarchy are still reluctant to pay more than £40m for a player turning 30 in December.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com
