Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates to secure Champions League football for next season.
After three meetings earlier in the campaign, Arsenal finally got the better of Newcastle to earn three points in the final home game of the season.
Player of the Season nominee Declan Rice scored a thunderous strike early into the second half to give the Gunners the lead after a rather turbulent opening 45 minutes.
The win ensured that Mikel Arteta’s side will play in the Champions League with Europe’s elite next term, and also kept Newcastle away from the race for second place.
After a game of two halves in N5, here’s how the Arsenal squad rated.
Arsenal player ratings vs Newcastle
David Raya – 9
Arsenal fans slammed Raya for his early mishap against Newcastle, however, the Spaniard certainly redeemed himself.
The goalkeeper made a series of remarkable saves throughout the contest, silencing any doubters with his individual brilliance.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 5
A vast increase in senior minutes seems to have caught up with Lewis-Skelly, who looked tired against Newcastle, unable to make a difference with his crossing and passing.
William Saliba – 5
Raya’s distribution was poor, and so was Saliba’s, who wasn’t doing his goalkeeper any favours with some passes.
An end-of-season feel has crept into the Frenchman’s game as of late, with fatigue hinted at as he was substituted at half-time.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Kiwior showed once again why he’s a reliable back-up option for Arteta.
After what was an utterly sublime performance against Newcastle, it would be a shame to see the Poland international leave in the summer.
Ben White – 6
There were moments when White seemed not to fully trust his body, staying further back when the rest of the back line pushed forward.
Still, the Englishman showed glimpses of his former self, combining well on the right with Saka to try and make a difference.
Thomas Partey – 5
Newcastle found great joy in midfield, largely down to Arsenal and Partey’s inability to react quickly to the game.
The Ghanaian was visibly slower than Newcastle’s midfield in all areas, which was concerning viewing considering Arsenal want to offer Partey a new contract.
Declan Rice – 7
Arsenal fans didn’t want to see Rice return following his injury, but Arteta started the midfielder against Newcastle.
Supporters will be delighted that the boss ignored any concerns, as Rice scored a terrific goal to give the Gunners the lead.
Martin Odegaard – 6
What started as another frustrating performance for Odegaard turned into a positive one, as the captain claimed his eighth assist of the Premier League season by setting up Rice.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Martinelli offered pace in behind, but the Brazilian was largely easy to contain due to his predictable style of play.
Bukayo Saka – 6
In the first half, Saka was unable to make an impact on the right side; however, the winger came to life in the second half and linked well with Odegaard.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Trossard’s desire to impact the game cannot be knocked, as the Belgian did what he could to cause problems in the final third.
Substitutes
Riccardo Calafiori – 8
Calafiori came on as a half-time substitute to replace Saliba and completely changed the tempo of the game.
The Italian was stellar in the left-sided centre-back role, giving Arteta food for thought with the last game of the season in sight.
Kai Havertz – 6
After months out of action, Havertz returned to a standing ovation at the Emirates and almost scored immediately.
Arteta was blown away by Havertz’s recovery after undergoing hamstring surgery, promising bigger and better things from the makeshift striker.
Kieran Tierney – N/A
In what was his last game for Arsenal at the Emirates, Tierney was given a loud welcome onto the pitch as a late substitute, deserving of a loud send-off.
Jorginho – N/A
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