Declan Rice very relieved after Saturday at the Emirates, as Arsenal were fortunate to win 1-0 against Newcastle United.
The Gunners carrying all but zero goal threat after Eze scored on nine minute, whilst the Magpies had the clearer chances.
Declan Rice reflecting: “We said last week after defeat by Manchester City that we have to win five games if we want to win the Premier League. That’s one down and now four to go. It was about winning, no matter how we win.”
The England star and his Arsenal midfield teammates saw Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes win that battle in the middle of the pitch.
Declan Rice admitting: “Always against Newcastle it will be a really tough game, Newcastle United have unbelievable players who can hurt you at any time.”
Arsenal failed to have a single serious effort on goal from inside the penalty area and were indebted to a quality long range effort that won the game.
Declan Rice: “In the end, three points, [thanks to] a special goal from Eberechi Eze.”
With Mikel Arteta’s negative approach to matches bringing so much criticism, especially from Arsenal fans, Declan Rice trying to stay focused: “Block it out, we have got to this point for a reason…there is always going to be noise, from home fans, away fans, people outside. It’s about blocking it out and believing in what we can do and that is just winning football matches. We will continue to do that.”
Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 – Saturday 25 April 2026 5.30pm
Match Stats
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Arsenal:
Eze 9
Possession was Newcastle 55% Arsenal 45%
Total shots were Newcastle 13 Arsenal 11
Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Arsenal 4
Corners were Newcastle 2 Arsenal 7
Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 19 Arsenal 27
Newcastle team v Arsenal:
Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno (Woltemade 75), Tonali, Ramsey, Willock (Elanga 86), Jacob Murphy (Barnes 66), Osula (Wissa 66)
Unused subs:
Ramsdale, Trippier, Hall, Alex Murphy, Neave