Declan Rice was the decisive hero as Arsenal secured Champions League qualification with a 1–0 win over Newcastle. His superb strike capped a season where he played a key role, especially in Europe. Despite the win, Arsenal are set for a third straight second-place Premier League finish—progress, but still short of a title. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the team’s consistency but expressed disappointment at missing out on a trophy, hinting they may break their transfer budget for a new striker this summer. Kai Havertz, their top scorer, missed much of the season, emphasizing the need for reinforcements. Rice admitted Arsenal’s league form dipped due to their intense Champions League run, calling the season “difficult” by their standards. He stressed the importance of strengthening the squad amid potential departures. Paul Merson warned Arteta that good performances must soon translate into trophies, or pressure will mount by Christmas next season.
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