Arsenal have officially qualified for next season's Champions League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle at Emirates Stadium.
Declan Rice's 55th-minute goal was enough to ensure the Gunners avoided a stressful Premier League end. They are almost certain to win second place as the threat from Manchester City is the most significant.
Newcastle were the better team from the start. With Alexander Isak sidelined through injury, the Magpies have missed a number of chances with Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in good form.
Thomas Partey headed the ball close to the goal from Bukayo Saka's corner in the 14th minute, but Arsenal were almost defeated after the break.
Anthony Gordon lost the ball easily, then Martin Odegaard broke through on the right wing before passing the ball to Rice. The English midfielder had a beautiful shot that defeated goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Rice has been a shining star for Arsenal this season. Last month, given the £105 million midfielder credit, Arteta was rewarded with a warning that the England international needed to add more goals.
Rice's stunning free-kick against Real Madrid will live on in memory. However, the kind of goal the 26-year-old scored against Newcastle was what Arteta believes should have happened more often.
Displaying a technique that was no different from those free kicks, Rice received a pass from Odegaard and fired an excellent shot. Rice is now just one goal short of scoring 10 goals in a season for the first time in his career.
The England international has now scored more goals for Arsenal (16 in 102 games) than he has for West Ham (15 in 245 games).
Meanwhile, Newcastle tried to equalize but were completely helpless. In the end, Arsenal beat Eddie Howe's side for the first time this season in four games.
Newcastle have a chance to qualify for the Champions League if they defeat Arsenal. However, the defeat at the Emirates forced them to compete fiercely on the final day of competition.
While Arsenal only have to visit Southampton, Newcastle will have a tense final against Everton. Meanwhile, Man City will host Bournemouth in a make-up match in the early morning of this Wednesday.
In the last 2 seasons, coach Mikel Arteta has spoken to fans at home after the last match of the campaign. The Spaniard vowed to do better next year. Arteta has no choice but to do the same after an empty campaign.
"We have a dream. That is to be here today or for another week and bring big trophies to you. Unfortunately, we couldn't do that for many reasons.
But make sure that pursuing your dream does not become blurred and you do not ignore what the players, staff, and club are doing. Make sure we pursue the dream with enthusiasm and positivity next season," Arteta said after the win over Newcastle.
Arsenal have suffered a series of injuries and felt offended by the red cards they received at the beginning of the season when the application of new rules was still being carried out. However, Arteta has generally acknowledged that the Gunners have fallen one step behind in the Premier League.
Although reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 was a remarkable achievement, they have failed to meet their expectations throughout the campaign.
Instead of raising the title, Arteta must lift the spirits of fans who have waited for five years to win a trophy and are facing their third consecutive year in the Premier League.
"Both teams are under a lot of pressure, we aim to finish the season in second place and ensure a place in the Champions League. We have done it. We hope to end the season with a victory, then plan for the summer and next season" - Arteta added.
