· 19 May 2025, 11:30
**Arsenal and Newcastle United met four times during this season, with Newcastle emerging victorious on three of the four occasions.**
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side finally got one over on Newcastle on Sunday and in doing so, sealed their place in next season's Champions League and also retained the runners-up spot for the third consecutive season. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride springs to my bitter mind.
Eddie Howe's recent domination over Arteta came to an end thanks to a stunning Declan Rice strike from around 25 yards following some really sloppy play from Anthony Gordon.
Between the wonder-goal and David Raya's crazy form between the sticks for Arsenal, it was clear it wasn't going to be Newcastle's day.
I hate to say it, but it was a good goal, wasn't it?
Mikel Arteta really has a bee in his bonnet about Newcastle doesn't he? We love it!
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Speaking after the game, goal-scorer Declan Rice revealed the three words Mikel Arteta said to his team to inspire the win (via the [Shields Gazette](https://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/mikel-arteta-arsenal-newcastle-united-declan-rice-5134822)).
> “Newcastle are such an in-form side and the manager's message was clear, ‘take it personal’. We grew into the game and we showed that grit and three points at home, great way to end the league at home."
Mikel Arteta hasn't taken things well when Newcastle have beaten his Arsenal side over the last couple of seasons, and it seems that he hasn't forgiven us yet.
Eddie Howe doesn't even take his shoes off when he walks around Mikel Arteta's head
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Whether or not Arteta believes he has got his revenge now after that little dig doesn't really matter; it just shows that Eddie Howe is still there, feet up on the couch with a cuppa, living rent-free in Arteta's bonce.
A few signings this summer, and Newcastle will be back even stronger next term and ready to duel it out again.
In a season in which Sunderland could (but let's be honest, won't) be back in the Premier League, it's this little rivalry that has me most stoked for the next campaign.