Arsenal managed to prevent Newcastle from leapfrogging them into second when securing a 1-0 win on Sunday.
A superb strike by Declan Rice ensured Arsenal will be playing UEFA Champions League football for the third season in a row, and leaves Newcastle needing to wait until the final day to discover which European competition they will be playing in next season.
Despite that, Eddie Howe was still gracious in defeat, and actually praised one Arsenal star after the final whistle.
Eddie Howe hails “spectacular” Declan Rice finish
The 47-year-old complimented Rice for his winning goal in the 55th minute, which flew past Nick Pope.
“It’s a RIPPER!” 💢
What a hit from Declan Rice! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/6aYUuGNb95
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 18, 2025
Howe – who Arsenal fans criticised earlier this season – told the BBC: “We came under pressure at the start of the second half and you need to ride that storm and we had. Declan Rice produces that spectacular finish from that range. We did everything we could to get a goal.”
“From our perspective, we got too passive and became a little bit sloppy on the ball. We’ll learn from that. You do have times like that away from home. We have to take all the positives from that first half performance. We looked strong. Nick (Pope) didn’t have too much to do.”
Had Arsenal failed to win this game, there was a chance of the Gunners playing UEFA Europa League football next season, so it was imperative for the West Ham academy graduate to step up like he did.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool |
36 | 25 | 8 | 3 | 83 | 37 | 46 | 83 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal |
36 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 66 | 33 | 33 | 68 |
| 3 |  NewcastleNewcastle |
36 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 68 | 45 | 23 | 66 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea |
37 | 19 | 9 | 9 | 63 | 43 | 20 | 66 |
| 5 |  Aston VillaAston Villa |
37 | 19 | 9 | 9 | 58 | 49 | 9 | 66 |
| 6 |  Man CityManchester City |
36 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 67 | 43 | 24 | 65 |
| 7 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest |
36 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 56 | 44 | 12 | 62 |
Eddie Howe wanted to sign Declan Rice for Newcastle
Howe was keen to bring Rice to Newcastle back in the summer of 2023, before Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign the England international from West Ham in a deal worth £105m.
Declan Rice’s goals in all competitions ⚽️
🔘 @Arsenal: 16 in 102 appearances
🔘 West Ham: 15 in 245 appearances#ARSNEW pic.twitter.com/L8wC2JeN1F
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025
The Magpies were unwilling to spend over £100m on a player and offer wages north of £200,000-a-week at this stage of their project, instead focusing on the £55m signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan, according to The Athletic.
As talented as Rice is, the Italy international has proven to be a brilliant addition for Howe, so both Arsenal and Newcastle can consider themselves to have an exceptional midfielder in their ranks.
