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      Arsenal player ratings: David Raya flawless and Declan Rice delivers vs Newcastle but Martin Odegaard not good enough

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      ARSENAL booked their place in next season’s Champions League with a crucial 1-0 win over Newcastle. Declan Rice struck the only goal of the game on a nervy afternoon at the Emirates. Declan Rice proved to be the difference-maker as Arsenal beat NewcastleCredit: APDavid Raya was in superb form for the Gunners in goalCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta named an attacking lineup for the visit of Toon, who had won eight out of the last ten Prem games.Following a nervy first half, Rice stepped up to slam in the opener just after the break.There was concern among Gunners’ fans with William Saliba hooked off at half-time with a knock. But the Gunners held on for a crucial three points and will again host Champions League football next season. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport’s Lloyd Canfield was on hand to give his player ratings from the Emirates…David Raya – 10Arsenal’s busiest and best player in the first half, the Spanish stopper kept his side in the game when they could’ve been two or three goals down in the opening 30 minutes. It was a flawless performance with good distribution, composure on the ball, aerial claims, and key saves whenever he was called upon. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEverything you could ask for from your number one. Most read in FootballArsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering priceMyles Lewis-Skelly – 6Seemed a little slow in the first half, with too many misplaced passes and not seeming to be on the same wavelength as Gabriel Martinelli. For a player usually so tidy on the ball, he didn’t look himself in the first 45, but was still pretty strong defensively and wasn’t caused a mass of problems by Jacob Murphy. Improved in the second half, as did most of his team-mates, with a solid performance in a makeshift Arsenal defence. Jakob Kiwior – 8 The man who has stepped up in Gabriel’s absence was impressive today, stepping in at vital moments to win the ball back for his side and making tackles when needed. Showed good versatility to move to the right side of defence too, when Saliba was taken off with a suspected injury. Has been better than almost every fan gave him credit for, and might just be a solution rather than a backup if the rumours of Saliba moving to Real Madrid turn out to have any substance. William Saliba – 5Arsenal’s Rolls Royce centre-half hasn’t had the easiest end to the season, and just doesn’t look at the moment like the model of consistency he has previously been for the Gunners. His partnership with Gabriel has been one of the best in the Premier League, but he looked as though he sorely missed his partner at the back today, mis-placing a pass that almost cost his side a goal in the first half, and not looking as confident defensively as he usually does. The Frenchman was subbed at half-time in what was his 100th Prem appearance with what you would assume was an injury. Ben White – 7His link-up with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side has been a staple of what has made this Arsenal side so, so dangerous – and it’s something that the Gunners have missed this season all too often. Claimed the assist for Declan Rice’s opener with a simple pass from an advanced position on the right, and very nearly doubled his side’s lead with a venomous effort from outside the area. He generally did well defensively to marshal the dangerous Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento going forward for Newcastle. Declan Rice – 8Having been such an influential player for the Gunners this season, Rice was presented with the Player of the Month award ahead of kick-off today. It was a tale of two halves for the £105m man, having been bossed by Bruno Guimaraes in the first 45, he stepped up in the second with a rocket of a finish into the bottom left corner to give his side the lead. That goal seemed to spring him, Arsenal and the Emirates crowd into life, and lifted the spirit of the entire ground. That’s what you expect from a big midfielder, and he delivered again. Thomas Partey – 6Very, very slow on the ball in the first half, as fans grew frustrated with his decision-making. The Arsenal No5 looked ponderous in transition, and was quite simply outran and outplayed by Tonali and Guimaraes, despite the result. Despite making a vital tackle in the first half, the incoming Martin Zubimendi should be a welcome lease of life and energy in midfield for Arteta’s side. Martin Odegaard – 3Not good enough. Perhaps he is a victim of his high standards, but it is frustrating for Arsenal fans to know what a quality player they have who is simply underperforming as of late. A once-magisterial midfielder, he seemed to play the safe pass all too often, and still misplaced it. When deciding to have a go from range, he failed to test the goalkeeper, frustrating fans even further – one even asking for him to be stripped of the captaincy and it to be given to Rice.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Probably the most threatening of Arsenal’s forward line, he worked incredibly hard down the left side.Impressed with his hold-up play and speed, but just didn’t quite have the end product required when it was needed to bring a truly impressive performance to the table. It felt a bit as though he was being doubled up on by Newcastle because of Arsenal’s lack of a central threat until Kai Havertz came on. Bukayo Saka – 4He was almost invisible in the first half, when his side needed him to step up with a big performance. He did improve in the second half, but still seemed far from his electric best, only really threatening with a tame effort at Nick Pope. Was substituted for the returning Havertz with just under 20 minutes to go. Leandro Trossard – 4Trossard and Martinelli seemed to take it in turns to occupy the No9 position for Arsenal, with both of them preferring to be out on the left-hand side.The Belgian failed to really provide any kind of threat up top, and without Martinelli’s engine, he wasn’t as much trouble as the Brazilian out on the wing.Seemed to take a touch too many too often, and struggled physically against Newcastle’s man-mountain defenders. Substitutes RICCARDO CALAFIORI (WILLIAM SALIBA, HT) – 6Solid at centre-half since replacing Saliba at half-time, with the Gunners looking a better side defensively after his introduction. Seemed to marshal the Arsenal defence and was solid along the ground and in the air. KAI HAVERTZ (BUKAYO SAKA, 75) – 6Was given a standing ovation on his return from injury, but didn’t provide any great deal of attacking threat. Not that you can hold that against him given the circumstances and only 15 minutes to get back up to speed with Premier League football in such a big game. Read More on The SunJORGINHO (MARTIN ODEGAARD, 90) – N/ADidn’t have enough time to make any kind of impact.  More

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      Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0: Watch Rice score beauty to all-but seal second for Gunners and dent Toon’s Champions League hopes

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      AN Emirates afternoon where both sides dreamed of having Alexander Isak at their disposal.For Newcastle, a groin injury robbed Eddie Howe of starting his beloved No.9 in North London – and it ultimately cost them, setting up a tense final-day Champions League shoot out.Declan Rice bags Arsenal’s winnerCredit: AFPThe England midfielder celebrates his 55th minute strikeCredit: GettyAnd for Arsenal, Swedish superstar Isak is a striker they would love to prise away from Tyneside this summer – if they are prepared to break the bank for him with an offer in excess of £100m.There is a hefty transfer kitty to play with, especially after Declan Rice’s 55th-minute long-range stunner guaranteed the Gunners a third-successive top two Prem spot, as well as a place in Europe’s elite competition next term.Striker Kai Havertz came on in the 76th minute to end his three-month injury exile after hamstring surgery, but boss Mikel Arteta knows he is not the answer. Isak would be, albeit one who will not let go cheaply nor quietly.And there is a reason for that: he is a world class goal-getter at the very highest level, and he would have surely put away the numerous chances the Toon had to see off Arsenal in a dominant first-half display.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe nerves will now be jangling this weekend in a top-five race that promises to provide non-stop shocks, twists and turns.For Newcastle, they just need to beat Everton to return to the continental promised – but it could, and perhaps should, have been so much more comfortable.Callum Wilson stepped up to start up top for just his third match of a campaign dogged by hamstring issues, and only his second Prem start – the last coming in February.As for Arsenal, the presence of Havertz on the bench was a relief – if not too little too late – while Leandro Trossard led the line with Mikel Merino suspended.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDoing a job on Arsenal has been a trademark of Newcastle’s last few seasons. This term is no different, beating them three times with an aggregate scoreline of 5-0 before this one.They were in the mood to make it a salt-in-the-wounds quadruple against a team they simply love to hate and love to beat.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering priceArsenal looked leggy and lethargic, and Newcastle were making them run, and forcing David Raya into a number of top stops. Without the Spaniard, the hosts would have been a few goals down inside the opening 20 minutes, and that is being kind.Raya’s poor pass out the back into no-man’s land was plucked by Sandro Tonali and Wilson was picked out before back-heeling into the path of Bruno Guimaraes in the box.The Brazilian did not catch it with his usual smoothness but still troubled Raya with some stinging palms. Myles Lewis-Skelly scrambled clear in the six-yard box.Howe had opted for a three-man defence in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash against Arsenal back in February and it worked a treat, winning 2-0 at St James’ Park.The same trick, same outcome, but one that was enforced with injuries to Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall while Sven Botman was able to shake off a knee injury scare.Arteta’s boys were struggling to contain the lightning counter attacks. Forget the Red Arrows – the Black Magpies were frenzied and relentless.Tino Livramento combined with Anthony Gordon down the left and the full-back tested the reflexes of Raya once more.Fearing another painful day at the hands of the Toon, Arsenal attempted to shock themselves into life. Trossard dropped his shoulder on Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes and let fly with a deflected effort.From the resulting corner, a routine from the Nicolas Jover playbook brought out the best of Nick Pope, his gigantic right arm denying Thomas Partey a near-post header.Mikel Arteta’s side have sealed a Champions League spotCredit: APEddie Howe’s side spurned several chancesCredit: ReutersBut this is a proper Newcastle team Howe has put together, and they no longer crumble on the road when the going gets tough, even if their last Prem away win was on April 7.Barnes glided through a non-existent Arsenal midfield and watched his low effort nick off Partey’s heel and then Raya’s fingertips just wide. Howe put his hands to his face.Frustrations grew with every missed chance, and a missed opportunity to really stick the knife into a below-par Gunners.Raya came to the rescue again with a magnificent double save with his hands and feet. Six-foot monsters Dan Burn and then Botman thought they had nicked one.Arsenal needed a half-time revving up. What they did not need was a defensive shake-up. William Saliba remained in the dressing room with Riccardo Calafiori coming on in his place.The Italian left-back’s presence alongside second-choice Jakub Kiwior in central defence could have been a recipe for disaster, albeit a tasty one for Newcastle’s front line.It felt like a mismatch all over the pitch at times. Guimaraes and Tonali were swarming all over Partey and Rice. Gordon was giving Ben White a real tough afternoon.Instead, Howe’s boys faded after the break, even with Arsenal there for the taking. Regardless, Howe will be livid with Rice’s beauty of a curled effort into the far corner.Callum Wilson had to step in for Alexander IsakCredit: GettyGordon will be receiving a right rollocking in the analysis room. It was the England winger’s dawdling on the ball that invited Bukayo Saka to snatch possession and feed Martin Odegaard down the right.From there, it looked like a training ground move. The cut-back and then the finish.Howe had limited options off the bench, reacting by bringing on 21-year-old William Osula for Wilson, while another sub Emil Krafth was booked within seconds of coming on for hauling down Martinelli – a foul that had Arteta sprinting up the touchline.Read More on The SunOf course, this would not be an Arsenal vs Newcastle match without some late drama – a VAR check following some fisty-cups in the box following a Toon onslaught.But Arsenal’s job is now done. Newcastle have one more mountain to climb. More

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      Mikel Arteta BANNED for Arsenal’s final game of season after touchline antics in clash against Newcastle

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      MIKEL ARTETA will miss Arsenal’s final game of the season after picking up a touchline ban.The Spaniard picked up a yellow card against Newcastle after kicking the ball away late on.Mikel Arteta has been suspended for Arsenal’s final game of the seasonCredit: GettyIt was his third of the current campaign.And as a result, Arteta has now picked up a one-match suspension.It means he will not be present when Arsenal take on relegated Southampton on the final day of the Premier League.Assistant Albert Stuivenberg is likely to take charge in Arteta’s absence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Arsenal boss won’t mind too much after his side all-but-sealed a second-place finish.A super strike from Declan Rice saw the Gunners beat Newcastle to the runners-up spot while also cementing a place in next season’s Champions League.Arsenal could now lose their final match to Southampton.But they will still be present in Europe’s elite competition as Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Man City and Nottingham Forest scramble for the three remaining spots.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSArsenal will be eager to make amends for an underwhelming season, having fallen short in the title race once again.The door looked open for them to finally triumph after Man City fell off the pace.Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering priceBut it was Liverpool who capitalised as Arne Slot sealed title victory in his first season.Arsenal did enjoy a good run in the Champions League though, reaching the semi-finals.However, the Gunners crashed out to Paris Saint-Germain as they missed out on a place in the final against Inter Milan. More

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      Man Utd will NOT host victory parade if they win Europa League – out of respect for hundreds of axed staff

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will not host a victory parade if they win the Europa League.That is out of respect for the hundreds of staff who have lost their jobs this season.Manchester United have decided against hosting a victory parade if they win the Europa LeagueThe decision is based on this season’s poor form and the brutal redundancies at Man UtdSir Jim Ratcliffe has seen mass layoffs since taking a minority stake in the clubCredit: GettyThe players and club have agreed that celebrations beyond on the night — should they beat Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday — would be in poor taste.They have made the decision based on this season’s poor form and the number of people who have been made redundant or are facing the axe. A source said: “The players really want to win the Europa League because they are desperate for some success in what has been an awful season.“If they do win, they will celebrate on the pitch and after the game but that will be it.Read More on Man Utd“Club officials are also mindful of the hundreds of colleagues who have lost their jobs this season and don’t think a parade would be the right thing to do.”About 150-200 staff members at Man Utd are facing the chop as part of the current redundancy process after 250 were let go last summer.Defeat to Spurs would cost United at least £100million in revenue from failure to qualify for the Champions League and leave them without any European football for next season.And staff reeling from the savage cuts under new part-owners Ineos are dreading even more bad news if the Red Devils are beaten in Bilbao.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Manchester giants’ cuts have also affected the final with the board deciding only two tickets are available per player, while guests’ travel to and from Spain would not be covered by the club.Thus, Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim has offered to pay for 30 of his staff to take their families to San Mames.Amorim’s coaches, physios and support team were told the club would not be paying for their loved ones to attend the game.But the Portuguese tactician has taken matters into his own hands as a reward for their contributions and efforts during his time at the club.The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss wants to make sure everyone is able to take up to two family members or friends. More

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      Watch Cristiano Ronaldo Jr score first goals for Portugal U15s and celebrate in the only way possible

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO JR is proving to be a chip off the old block – and even celebrates like his dad.The 14-year-old scored twice for Portugal in the final of the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament on Sunday.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr netted the opener for Portugal Under-15s against CroatiaCredit: XAfter smashing in off the crossbar, the 14-year-old ran off to celebrateCredit: XHe performed the iconic Siu celebration made famous by his dadCredit: XCristiano Jr was handed the No7 shirt made famous by his dad for the Under-15 showdown against Croatia.And the teenager needed just 12 minutes to open the scoring against the hosts. Ghosting into the box from the left wing, Cristiano Jr was played in after a team-mate’s mazy run.From a tight angle, he smashed in a sublime first-time shot off the crossbar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCristiano Jr sprinted off towards the corner flag to celebrate his first international goal. And he couldn’t resist mimicking his dad’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration alongside his team-mates.One fan wrote in response: “Like father like son. SIU tradition lives.”Another said: “The moment he gets a taste of scoring, he won’t stop.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile a third joked: “I’m seeing double here, two Ronaldos!”Cristiano Jr has been eyed by scouts from a host of European clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingAnd he was on the scoresheet again as Croatia threatened a comeback. With the scores locked at 1-1, Portugal went ahead again as the 14-year-old planted a header in at the far post.They would eventually run out 3-2 winners. Earlier in the tournament, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo took to social media to congratulate his son on his international debut.A proud CR7 told his 115 million followers: “Congratulations on your debut by @selecaoportugal, son. Very proud of you!”Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.Ronaldo, 40, has remained prolific in front of goal this season for Al-Nassr, bagging 33 times in all competitions.But he has endured another trophyless season in Saudi Arabia.Al-Nassr are third in the Saudi Pro League – 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.Read More on The SunThey were also knocked out of the Asian Champions League by Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale last month.Al-Nassr have not won the league title since Ronaldo signed in December 2022. More

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      Moment furious Man Utd flop Wout Weghorst SLAPS camera out of his face after Ajax lose league title by a point

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      WOUT WEGHORST angrily slapped a camera away after his Ajax side squandered the Eredivisie title.The Amsterdam side had led their Eindhoven counterparts by nine points.A camera operator looked to get a close up of Wout WeghorstCredit: XWeghorst appeared to be fuming and slapped the camera awayCredit: XBut a run of two draws and two defeats in four matches saw Ajax go into the final round of fixtures trailing PSV by a point.Francesco Farioli’s side manage to do their part, beating Twente 2-0 courtesy of goals by Jordan Henderson and Weghorst.But PSV’s 3-1 triumph at Sparta Rotterdam, in which former Tottenham star Ivan Perisic scored, meant that Ajax agonisingly missed out.After the game, Ajax stars lined up together in front of the fans.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA cameraman sought to get a close-up view of Weghorst, who was standing on the edge of the row.The forward appeared to be furious with he camera operator, turning around and slapping the camera away.After the game, Weghorst was asked about the incident.The experienced forward said: “It is a very beautiful moment in which we are sung to, then I think it is a great pity that the team is not just simply shown on camera.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s emotion. I think it’s a shame that the camera always has to be on me.”From the very first second, the camera was focused on me again.Watch Man Utd star Weghorst ‘hit supporter’ with wayward shot in warm-up as fans say ‘Jonny Wilkinson would be proud'”On Wednesday, it became too much for me in Groningen and I quickly ran inside.”I also experienced the consequences of that. Now I didn’t feel the need to be on camera again.”Weghorst joined Manchester United on loan from Burnley in January 2023.The Dutch international scored two goals in 31 appearances for the Red Devils, before returning to the Clarets.After featuring in Burnley’s first two Championship games of the season, Weghorst moved to Ajax.The 6ft 5in forward has scored 10 goals in 24 Eredivisie appearances this term.Ajax had been sitting pretty at the top of the league, before a bizarre collapse proved to be costly.The spiral began on April 20, when they lost 4-0 at Utrecht.Read More on The SunFarioli’s men then drew 1-1 with Sparta Rotterdam and lost 3-0 to NEC in back-to-back home games.The crushing blow came on Wednesday night, when Ajax conceded a 99th-minute equaliser to the ten men of Groningen.Ajax collapsed in the final weeks of the seasonCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Tiny club on ‘haven of volcanic islands’ in middle of North Atlantic Ocean qualifies for Conference League

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      TEAMS playing in next season’s Conference League will be treated to an unusual venue – in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. C.D Santa Clara, who play in Portugal’s top flight, secured a fifth-place finish on Saturday. Portuguese side Santa Clara secured a best-ever fifth-place finish in the Primeira LigaCredit: XThe club are based in the Azores, almost 1,000 miles west of LisbonThe club beat Farense 2-1 to book their place in next season’s Conference League qualifiers. Saturday’s win secured a best-ever Primeira Liga finish for the club, who are located on the tiny Atlantic archipelago of the Azores.Santa Clara are the only team from the stunning volcanic islands to have ever competed in a Uefa competition.The Azores are made up of nine main islands situated around 870 miles west of Lisbon. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt is the outermost region of the European Union and became an autonomous region of Portugal in 1976. Santa Clara are based in the capital city of Ponta Delgada, which has a population of just over 70,000 and is located on Sao Miguel Island.The club made their European football bow back in 2002, replacing fellow Portuguese side Vitoria in the Intertoto Cup. And they made their Conference League debut almost two decades later after a sixth-place finish in 2021. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSanta Clara will enter next season’s competition at the second qualifying round. They almost made the group stages four years ago, falling to Serbian side Partizan Belgrade in the final qualifier. ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeShould they make it this time, fans will face around a seven-hour trip to the club’s 12,500-seater Estadio de Sao Miguel.Flights to the Azores from the UK are mostly via Lisbon, with travel between the different islands tricky. One fan wrote on X following Saturday’s game: “Santa Clara vs [Kazakstan side] Astana, let’s make it happen.”Another laughed: “Mid Atlantic trip!”While a third added: “I hope the record for most km traveled in an European game is set if they get like a team from Azerbaijan. Teams will be lucky to visit Azores, it’s a great place.” More

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      Brentford 2 Fulham 3: Harry Wilson scores screamer to seal win in thrilling clash after falling 2-1 behind

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      HARRY WILSON returned to haunt Brentford yet again and cap a spectacular turnaround in a feisty West London derby.Wilson scored a sensational winner from outside the box only four minutes after coming on as a sub.Fulham ace Harry Wilson sealed the three points against Brentford with a screamerAnd it came just 60 seconds after club captain Tom Cairney had pulled the visitors level in what could become a fitting farewell before he leaves at the end of the season.In addition to five goals and a saved penalty, there were also moans and drones as Fulham boss Marco Silva lost the plot in the first half.And a low flying drone which appeared over the roof of the away end also delayed the start of the second half.Brentford will be kicking themselves for chucking away their hard earned lead with defeat landing a major blow on their already outside hopes of playing European football next season.Read More on FootballThey remain eighth but need a complex combination of events involving Newcastle, Chelsea and the Conference League final to combine for them to qualify.And they could be caught by Brighton who are level on points with them.Wilson’s stunning winner was the last word in a gripping game between two neighbours.The Wales wideman scored twice in second half added time at Craven Cottage back in November when Fulham turned a losing position into a winning one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWilson also had his contract extended by a year last week along with Raul Jimenez who got things under way with a powerful 16th minute header to put the visitors ahead.Brentford then levelled six minutes later from a classy finish by Bryan Mbeumo then took the lead through Yoane Wissa three minutes before half time.In between, ref Jarred Gillett – who let Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson off the hook as VAR in yesterday’s (SAT) FA Cup Final – gave the home team a penalty.Silva was furious with the decision but seemed to have the particular hump with a Brentford security guard standing behind his dugout.The earpiece-wearing official was moved further away. But Silva lost his cool again when Bernd Leno saved Mbeumo’s spot kick. He was also angry at several of the ref’s decisions.Cairney was introduced after the break and headed home Kenny Tete’s deflected cross 68 minutes into a crazy match.The Scottish veteran, 34, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a £50K a week move to Championship newcomers Wrexham.Fulham’s breathless victory means they have set a new record of 54 Premier League points in one season, beating the previous high of 53 under Roy Hodgson set in 2009. More