Arsenal reached the UEFA Champions League by winning 1-0 over Newcastle United in their final appearance of the season at the Emirates Stadium.
The home team really had a tough time during the early stages of the game when they watched their goalkeeper David Raya making a good save followed by first missing the chance and then being further denied by the goalie when the shot was from Harvey Barnes and it was a strong one that forced the hand to a Dan Burn’s header. Arsenal’s best opportunity in the first half was a header by Thomas Partey, however, Nick Pope was equal to the task and he saved it brilliantly.
The match was without a story in the first part, but Arsenal was a completely different team in the second half as they scored the first goal of the game through Declan Rice. The English midfielder laid on a fine first-time strike from the edge of the box, after Ødegaard found him, to give Arsenal the lead.
Arsenal launched their attempt to notch the most goals leading with Saka who had a try at Pope and White who sent his shot inches past the post. In the meantime, Newcastle were posing a threat as Barnes and Willock had very clear chances of which they made the most.
The win also marked Arsenal’s 12 wins in their last 13 home games against Newcastle. On the other hand, Howe’s team was so close but still they could not do it and now they are forced to win the last game in order to stay in the UCL hunt.
