Arsenal secure Champions League place, Everton win on Goodison farewell

LONDON: Arsenal secured Champions League qualification thanks to a 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday as Everton said farewell to Goodison Park with an emotional 2-0 victory over Southampton.

Declan Rice scored the only goal at the Emirates in the battle between second and third to guarantee the consolation of a top-five finish for Mikel Arteta´s men at the end of another trophyless season. Rice continued his goalscoring form with a stunning strike from outside the box on 55 minutes.

“We had a clear dream to deliver a trophy this season. Unfortunately we haven´t done it, understanding the circumstances we´ve been through,” Arteta said. “But you have to make sure that chasing a dream doesn´t confuse you and allow you to see all the incredible things this team are doing.” Defeat means Newcastle still have work to do to join Arsenal in the Champions League next season.

Just one point separates the League Cup winners in third from Nottingham Forest in seventh. Victory over Everton next weekend should be enough for the Magpies due to their much superior goal difference over fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe is unsure if Alexander Isak will be fit for that crunch clash after missing the Arsenal game with a groin injury. “I don´t know at this moment in time. He felt pain after training and went for a scan. It depends a lot on how he reacts,” Howe said.

“Fingers crossed he can get there. We have to do our job against Everton.” Forest maintained their push for a first appearance in Europe´s top competition for 45 years after winning 2-1 at West Ham.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic struck for the visitors at the London Stadium as Forest showed support for striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who needed urgent abdominal surgery this week.