Declan Rice's wonder goal secured Arsenal a place in next season's Champions League as they defeated Newcastle 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The midfielder's exquisite curling finish from outside the box in the 55th minute proved decisive in a match where the Gunners had previously struggled to find their rhythm.
The victory ensures Mikel Arteta's side will finish in the top four, ending their home campaign on a winning note despite a largely flat performance before Rice's moment of brilliance changed the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Arsenal were uninspiring for much of the match before the England international's decisive intervention sailed past Nick Pope.
Arsenal have qualified for next season's Champions League, with the north London titans beating Newcastle 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium following a thunderbolt effort from Declan Rice on Sunday.
REUTERS
The midfielder's first-time shot from 20 yards followed a pass from captain Martin Odegaard, resulting in a stunning finish that curled beyond the Newcastle goalkeeper.
Before this moment of quality, the Gunners had struggled to impose themselves on the match, with the home crowd growing increasingly restless until Rice's spectacular strike changed the mood.
Newcastle had made a fast start to the match despite missing their leading scorer Alexander Isak, who was absent with a groin injury.
JUST IN:Jamie Vardy gives emotional speech after scoring 200th goal for Leicester in Ipswich win
The striker, who has netted 23 Premier League goals this season, was a significant loss for the visitors.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was called into action multiple times in the opening 20 minutes, making smart saves to deny Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Sven Botman as third-placed Newcastle threatened to take control of the contest.
The victory moves Arsenal to 71 points, mathematically confirming their Champions League qualification for next season.
Arsenal star Declan Rice netted a fine goal against Newcastle on Sunday
REUTERS
Of the teams below them, only Manchester City in sixth place with 65 points and two games remaining could potentially match Arsenal's tally.
However, the Gunners' substantially better goal difference ensures their place in Europe's elite competition.
Despite the defeat, Newcastle remain in a strong position to join Arsenal in the Champions League next season, with Eddie Howe's side sitting in third.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Newcastle go into their final game at home to Everton knowing a victory would almost certainly secure their Champions League qualification.
Despite the setback against Arsenal, Howe's side remain well-positioned thanks to their strong goal difference.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be delighted after his side beat Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium
REUTERS
The Magpies will be hoping to have Isak back for the crucial season finale, though they demonstrated against Arsenal they can still create chances without their prolific striker.
A win against Everton would cap an impressive campaign for Newcastle and ensure they qualify for Europe's premium competition for the second time in three years.
