Declan Rice’s stunning goal helped Arsenal secure a victory over Newcastle, ensuring the Gunners will participate in next season’s Champions League.

It became a running joke recently: “Imagine if Arsenal end up finishing third.” What began as a lighthearted comment was in danger of turning into reality. Entering the game with only one win in their last six Premier League matches, Mikel Arteta’s team risked being overtaken by Newcastle with a defeat at the Emirates.

But Declan Rice made sure that wouldn’t happen.

His decisive goal in the second half helped Arsenal win 1–0 at the Emirates. This victory also means that Arsenal will play in the UEFA Champions League next season.

This season, it was Arsenal’s first goal against Newcastle, marking their 52nd shot across four matches in all competitions.

The Gunners relied on David Raya in the first half as Newcastle, still in contention for a Champions League spot, threatened despite the absence of leading scorer Alexander Isak due to a groin injury.

Newcastle had five shots on target in the first half, the most Arsenal faced in a Premier League game since April 2023. Seven of Newcastle’s 10 outfield players had attempted a shot by half-time.

This Victory brings them to 71 points. Only sixth-placed Manchester City, with 65 points and two games remaining, can match them, but Arsenal’s goal difference is substantially better.

If Manchester City don’t defeat Bournemouth on Tuesday, Arsenal will finish 2nd, even if City beat them, Arsenal can secure second place by winning against Southampton next Sunday.

All Week 38 matches kick off at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday.