Newcastle manager Eddie Howe applauds the fans after the match
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Newcastle United face a final-day battle for the three remaining places with just one point separating just the four clubs in the hunt.
Despite a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal yesterday, Eddie Howe’s side remain in third place heading into the final day of the campaign, but they are separated from Nottingham Forest in seventh by just a single point.
Next up for the Magpies is a final day home game against Everton, but before then we have round-up how the national media reported on yesterday’s game at the Emirates.
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'You would expect them'
Sam Dean of the Daily Telegraph wrote: "Defeat means that Newcastle probably need to win at home to Everton next week to guarantee Champions League football. You would expect them to achieve such a result, although any doubts over Isak’s fitness will also create doubts in the minds of the Newcastle supporters, players and coaches. “As soon as we get one or two injuries, we are stretched,” Howe admitted. 'We have lost a bit of firepower.'
"The race for the Champions League places is extraordinarily tight, with only one point separating five teams. Newcastle are in a strong position, in third on goal difference, but so much could yet change."
'Newcastle had Arsenal on the ropes'
James Gheerbrant of The Times wrote: "While they can cruise through their final game of the term against Southampton, Newcastle United must now win their final game, against Everton, to make sure of Champions League qualification, knowing that their rivals in the pursuit of that prize, Chelsea and Aston Villa, will start the final day on the same number of points, with Nottingham Forest only one point behind."
Before he later continued: "At times in the first half, Newcastle had Arsenal on the ropes, but they couldn’t take their chances, with Alexander Isak absent with a groin injury and David Raya in inspired form in goal, besides one early error. After five minutes he mishit his clearing kick, which skimmed along the turf straight to Sandro Tonali, who immediately passed forward to Callum Wilson. A clever touch from Wilson laid the ball back for Bruno Guimarães, rushing into the box, who drew a good save from Raya, salvaging a situation of his own making."
'Howe vented his frustration'
Ed Aarons of the Guardian wrote: "At least Arteta had the immediate satisfaction of finally getting one over Eddie Howe at the fourth attempt this season thanks to another blockbuster from Declan Rice. It leaves Newcastle needing to beat Everton at home on the final day to ensure they join Arsenal in the Champions League.
"After ending their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup, their manager will be desperate for Alexander Isak to recover from a nagging groin problem that forced him to miss their trip here. Newcastle have not won any of the four Premier League games he has missed this season.
"Other than a goalmouth scramble in stoppage time, Arsenal were able to see out victory relatively comfortably despite losing William Saliba to a suspected hamstring injury at half-time.
"Howe vented his frustration beforehand that some of his players have been linked with moves away in the summer even after their undoubted progress as a club this season. But the absence of Isak – who has long been coveted by Arsenal and proved their chief tormentor in the 4-0 aggregate victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final – meant Newcastle were toothless in attack apart from a 17‑minute spell at the start when they managed five shots on target but could not score."
'Howe who wore a haunted look'
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail wrote: "For Arsenal, this was less of a football match, more of an exorcism. One swipe of Declan Rice’s right boot and Newcastle’s Indian sign over them was broken.
"Eddie Howe has had Mikel Arteta’s number this season. Three times, in fact. He had it again in the first half here without the one number that matters - a goal. Perhaps that was because Alexander Isak, the Arsenal slayer, was missing.
"And so, come the end, it was Howe who wore a haunted look. This was a win that got away. His team played one half with a swagger, the other with a stagger. They will need to beat Everton next weekend to be sure of Champions League football.
"Arsenal have finally stamped their passport for that competition, not that they looked like one of Europe’s top sides for much of this game. They never do when Newcastle are in opposition. Indeed, Rice’s goal was their first from 53 shots against the Magpies this season."