Newcastle United have fallen to a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their penultimate Premier League match of the season.
The quest to confirm a Champions League place will go to the final day of the Premier League season for Newcastle United after they lost to Arsenal on Sunday.
Eddie Howe’s side not only missed out on the chance to all but set their spot in Europe’s top competition in stone, but also to go second in the table as well.
The first half ended goalless but it was eventful as Newcastle dominated the proceedings and forced David Raya into several big saves.
Yet, the Magpies were left regretting their missed chances when Declan Rice scored the opener with a fantastic finish into the corner.
Newcastle then struggled to get back into the match, with Howe’s substitutions doing little to change the momentum.
They never looked like getting a leveller and now it’s still all to play for on the final day.
Here’s how the players rated.
Nick Pope – 7
Made an incredible save that Gary Neville compared to Peter Schmeichel as he clawed out a close-range header. Could do nothing about Rice’s scrumptious strike.
Fabian Schar – 7
Some timely interceptions and blocks.
Sven Botman – 7
It appeared Sven Botman’s season was over last week but he surprisingly started the game and was once again assured at the back. It’ll be a massive boost if Newcastle can keep him fit next season.
Dan Burn – 7
Dan Burn continues to show he is capable in any defensive position with another resolute display on the left of a back three. He made one expertly-timed slide tackle in the opening minutes that he couldn’t afford to get wrong, and didn’t.
Jacob Murphy – 5
Arsenal didn’t pose much of a threat in the first half but, when they did, their moves tended to come from their left side as they took advantage of Jacob Murphy’s lack of defensive prowess. It’s hardly the winger’s fault, given he’s filling in in an unnatural position but his attacking might was blunted, too.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
A tenacious and dogged midfield display in which he continues to pick up the slack in Joelinton’s absence. Bruno Guimaraes was everywhere across the pitch, making tough tackles one moment and having chances on goal the next.
Should have done better with one early chance, though and lost Rice as he scored the goal.
Sandro Tonali – 7
Just as industrious as his midfield partner, Sandro Tonali was excellent at winning the ball back quickly and maintained the pressure on Arsenal’s back-line. Accompanied by some classy forward passing.
Tino Livramento – 6
A good first half in which he was constantly bombarding down the left flank and involved in a lot of good interplays with Anthony Gordon. If he had more composure in the box, he could have had one goal and an assist to his name.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Good pressing and running on the ball, with one lengthy run leading to a shot that was denied by Raya’s fingertips. Could have done with a bit more desire to get into dangerous positions when the ball was on the opposite side. Faded after the break.
Callum Wilson – 4
In what could be his final start for the club, Callum Wilson came in for the injured Alexander Isak and showed why Newcastle are unlikely to offer him a new contract.
There was one good set-up for Guimaraes’ chance but otherwise struggled to keep up with the pace of his fellow forwards and posed no threat. Hooked just after the hour.
Anthony Gordon – 4
Some great link-up play with Livramento and lovely flicks early on but it was another underwhelming performance in the end, with his mistake costing Newcastle the game. It was his sloppy touch that surrendered possession and led to the opening goal. Needs to be doing better.
Substitutes
Emil Krafth – 4
Booked literally seconds after coming on when he was outsmarted by Gabriel Martinelli and he had to drag him down.
William Osula – 5
Didn’t get any chances.
Lewis Miley – 5
Worked hard.
Joe Willock – 6
Injected some urgency to the left flank but couldn’t keep a good chance down.
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