Declan Rice delivered high praise for Newcastle United after Arsenal edged a crucial 1-0 victory to strengthen their Premier League title charge.
In a tightly contested clash, the Gunners struck early and then managed the tempo with composure.
Eberechi Eze proved decisive, firing home in the ninth minute to hand Arsenal the advantage: a lead they protected with discipline as the game unfolded.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s struggles continued, as the Magpies slumped to their ninth defeat in 12 league outings.
Their poor run, which now stretches to five consecutive losses in all competitions, leaves them 14th in the table with just four matches left to salvage pride.
From kickoff to final whistle, Rice was at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield control, playing the full 90 minutes and helping his side dictate proceedings.
Speaking after the match, the England international emphasized the importance of grinding out results at this crucial stage of the season.
“I think we said after last week [defeat by Manchester City] that we have to win five games if you want to win the Premier League,” Rice told BBC Sport. “That’s one down and now four to go. It was about winning no matter how we win.
“It is exciting times. There’s a lot to play for. Always against Newcastle it will be a really tough game, they have unbelievable players who can hurt you at any time.
“We could have done better in front of goal in the second half, it opened up for us and it was just lacking that final pass.
“But in the end, three points, a special goal from Ebs [Eberechi Eze] and that makes the weekend better so it is all good.”
As the title race gathers pace, Arsenal have now shifted momentum firmly in their favour.
While they could have extended their lead with sharper finishing after the break, they ultimately showed the resilience needed in championship pursuits: staying compact, controlling possession, and seeing the game out professionally.
On the other hand, Newcastle will need to regroup quickly as the season approaches its final stretch.
Despite flashes of quality, their inability to convert performances into points continues to define a difficult campaign.
For Arsenal, however, the message is clear; they are still in the race, still pushing forward, and with four games left, every match now carries title-defining weight.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
