· 19 May 2025, 10:30
**Newcastle United rarely like to do things the easy way, and the opportunity to seal Champions League qualification with a game to spare was right there for the taking yesterday, but the Magpies failed to take it.**
David Raya kept Arsenal in the game in the first half at the Emirates with a series of saves right out of the top drawer, but the Magpies could not sustain that pressure in the second half.
A 25-yard fizzer from Declan Rice ultimately settled the tie, and while Newcastle did start to fight back towards the end of the game, they were, and not for the first time this season, lacking that killer instinct in the final third.
That defeat handed second place in the Premier League to Arsenal and means Newcastle need a result against Everton at St James' Park next week to ensure they are in Europe's elite competition next season.
> [](https://twitter.com/jamiereuben/status/1924186691448819974)
Jamie Reuben had a positive spin to share with fans on Sunday
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It was a setback for sure, but our fate is still in our own hands and seeing out the season at St James' Park with a buoyant Toon Army should be enough to get us over the line on Sunday against an Everton side who lost a couple of players to injury during their final game at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Newcastle's Co-owner Jamie Reuben took to social media on Sunday after the game to try and keep Geordie spirits high despite the defeat.
> "Wasn’t the result we wanted- we deserved more from that game but I want to personally thank all the @NUFC fans who travelled today and those who have attended our away fixtures this season, often travelling very long and difficult (today) journeys to support our team. Thank you for your support. Jamie"
Eddie Howe 3-1 Mikel Arteta
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We absolutely did deserve more from the game in hindsight. I wasn't feeling it at the time yesterday as it was all a bit raw, but it was really only a 20-minute spell where Newcastle weren't at it, which means that there was only a 20-minute spell where Arsenal were the better side - they just managed to take advantage of it.
It's still 3-1 to Eddie Howe this season over Mikel Arteta, and arguably the two wins in the Carabao Cup semi-final on the way to lifting the trophy meant more than this game.
Obviously, it will be hard to say that next week if we fluff our lines again against Everton ... which we won't!