Arsenal Edge Past Newcastle to Secure Second Place in Premier League

Arsenal moved one step closer to confirming a second-place finish in the Premier League after a resilient 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at St. James' Park. The Gunners weathered early pressure from the Magpies before Declan Rice scored the decisive goal to secure all three points.

Newcastle's Missed Opportunities

Newcastle began the match with incredible intensity, registering five shots on target in the opening 17 minutes. Despite their dominance, they could not find a breakthrough, with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya producing spectacular saves to deny Dan Burn, Sven Botman, and Bruno Guimarães. The Magpies finished the game with an xG (Expected Goals) of 1.60, with 1.2 of that coming in the first half, but failed to register another shot on target after the initial flurry.

Rice Strikes the Decisive Blow

Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, managing just 0.37 xG. However, they were clinical when it mattered most. Declan Rice found the net five minutes before the hour mark, calmly finishing a first-time shot to hand Arsenal the lead. It was Rice's 19th goal involvement of the season (9 goals, 10 assists), trailing only Bukayo Saka (25) for Arsenal this term.

Ben White came close to doubling the lead, but the Gunners held firm defensively, shutting down Newcastle's attack and securing the slim victory. Arsenal have now won 36 Premier League games against Newcastle, the joint-most by any side alongside Liverpool.

What’s Next?

With the win, Arsenal all but confirm second place, heading into their final match against already-relegated Southampton. Meanwhile, Newcastle United will look to bounce back when they host Everton on May 25, in desperate need of three points to solidify their own league ambitions.