Arsenal have all but confirmed their second-place finish in the Premier League as they beat Newcastle thanks to a Declan Rice second-half strike
18:26, 18 May 2025
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta's side came out on top(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta needed a half-time team talk for the ages to overcome Newcastle United.
Arsenal had been stuttering and stumbling to the finish line as they looked set to drop more Premier League points on Sunday afternoon. However, Declan Rice took the game by the scruff of the neck and fired home.
The Magpies had the chance to leapfrog Arsenal in the table, who after pushing for the title could see second place slip away. And after a snoozefest of a first-half, it looked like the two teams were heading for a bore draw.
However, Arteta rallied his troops during the interval - with Gary Neville, who was on co-commentary for Sky Sports commenting: "Whatever Arteta said to his side at half-time... It's worked!"
"Maybe Saliba sub was tactical and maybe Arteta deserves some credit for changing the game at half-time," one fan shared on social media.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice was the difference maker(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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"Idk what Arteta tweaked at half time but second time in a row we've come out a completely different team," a second said. While a third posted: "Even Arteta has the balls to make a change at half time!"
And another added: "There needs to be a study on how bad Arsenal are in the first half and how they just completely flip a game on its head in the second.... Arteta needs to have his HT team talk at kick off!"
The result has all but confirmed the Gunners' second-placed spot in the Premier League.
Arsenal can still be leapfrogged by Manchester City - but it requires them to lose away to Southampton on the final day and for City to beat Bournemouth and Fulham with a ten-goal swing.
Arteta's side can turn their focus to next season.
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And all the pressure will be on Arteta as he looks to end Arsenal's 22-year draught for a Premier League trophy.