Newcastle United failed to make it four wins from four over Arsenal this season, with Declan Rice's second-half strike separating the sides at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking after the game, the match-winner admitted Mikel Arteta had told the Gunners to 'take it personally' that they had tasted defeat against Eddie Howe's side on every occasion this term.
The Sunday afternoon tie may have [ended with a mini scuffle in the penalty area](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/anthony-gordon-apologises-newcastle-uniteds-31669081) but lacked it the usual bite that occurs between Newcastle and Arsenal these days. The clubs have developed a new-found rivalry in recent seasons, with the Gunners earning the bragging rights heading into the summer.
[Arteta was full of praise for Howe's United in the build up](https://x.com/ChronicleNUFC/status/1923383345724993881) to the game but behind closed doors was ensuring his players avoid the humiliation of four consecutive defeats against the black and whites.
Speaking after the game, Rice told Sky Sports: "The last few weeks we’ve been poor by our standards in the Premier League. We went so hard in the Champions League that our form dropped. That happens.
"Newcastle are such a good side and we’ve lost three games to them this season. The manager’s message before the game was clear: take it personally. I think we did today."
The result means Arteta's side will finish above Newcastle, with Howe's men now destined to finish third or below this season. Next weekend's St James' Park showdown with Everton will determine whether United can return to the Champions League.
Sunday's defeat sees Newcastle stay in third place, with Manchester City able to leapfrog them should they bounce back from their FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace when they face Bournemouth this week.
Meanwhile, barring a goal difference miracle, Arsenal will finish second in the Premier League for the third season on the spin.