Player Ratings: Arsenal secure Premier League runners-up spot 

Declan Rice's superb strike seals second spot for The Arsenal: Find out who impressed with our Gunners expert View From The Armchairs unique Player Ratings 

David Raya: 9/10 - redeemed himself on five mins with a double save after a shaky start, and poor distribution. Vital fingertips save on 15 mins, closely followed by more heroics from a corner. The Premier League's finest keeper had to use his hands way too much today, finally I can confidently write, money for nothing and your chicks for free, MOTM

Ben White: 7.5/10 - looking decidedly unfit and uninterested early on, sloppy on the ball, got better as the game progressed, shades of a porky prime Rivelinho, on 69 minutes, shooting narrowly past the post, huffed and puffed his way to a clean sheet.

William Saliba: 7/10 - marshalled the defence well in the first half, bought off at the start of the second, hopefully nothing too much to worry about and he’s just getting a well earned rest.

Jakub Kiwior: 7.5/10 - steady at the back, he’s done a fantastic job coming in for Gabriel, the run of games will do wonders for his confidence next year, vital side tackle on 65 mins, marshalled us to a clean sheet and a win with a new partner in the second half, job well done today.

Myles Lewis Skelly: 7.5/10 - maturity way beyond his years, gallivanting forwards at every opportunity, put in a shift again and will be one of the stalwarts next year, somehow won a towering header against big Dan Burn on 74 minutes despite being five whole feet shorter, incredible breakout season.

Martin Odegaard: 8/10 - early threat when on the ball, pulling all the strings in midfield,skied one on 14 minutes to provide a nice little souvenir for a Geordie at the back of the away end. Provided the assist for the opener, I think his class is evident on his worst day, which wasn’t today, good job Skipper.

Declan Rice: 8/10 - didn’t see him touch the ball at all in the first 20 minutes, tame shot on 28 mins, he put any theory to bed who disagrees he’s world class on 54 mins with a repeat of his heroics at Old Trafford. One Nil To The Arsenal! Bonus point for the sweet strike.

Thomas Partey: 7.5/10 - involved a lot early on, working in tandem with Odegaard, came close with a header on 14 minutes from a corner, had the crowd on his back on 37 mins when chased down, powered through it to get us a clean sheet and three points, definitely want to see him back here next year.

Gabi Martinelli: 7.5/10 - struggled to get involved in the first half, marshalled well by the Newcastle defence. Industrious and keen to show he’s not anywhere near a sunbed yet, worked hard for the good of the team all day, mauled on 64 minutes which could have seen a red, showed great touches and ball control throughout.

Leo Trossard: 8/10 - looking lively from the start, shot narrowly wide on 12 mins, hungry to get the ball back at all times, our Belgian busy bee had a decent game today, bought on for Kieran Tierney on 87 mins.

Bukayo Saka: 7/10 - usual high energy in the first half, coupled with his usual threat with the ball at his feet, nearly chimed in with his speciality trademarked shot from the edge of the box on 58 mins, which stirred the crowd, rested on 75 mins.

Substitutions

Riccardo Calafiori: 7.5/10 - on at the start of the second half, looked lively coming forwards, more importantly, secured a clean sheet alongside Kiwior at the back, money for nothing and as much eat all you pizza on the menu tonight.

Kai Havertz: 7/10 - bought on after 100 days out on 75 mins, let’s get him some support up front next year and keep him involved on all fronts.

Kieran Tierney: 7/10 - appeared on 87 minutes to a rapturous welcome, will always be remembered with affection by Gooners worldwide if he does move on in the summer for more regular football.

Jorginho: 8/10 - on 92 minutes for a final lap at the Emirates, a warm reception for what has proved to be a very shrewd signing by Arteta, bonus point for a bon voyage appearance.

Arsenal fan watch: 8/10 - you can hear the moans and groans and witness it visibly affect the players as it heads into squeaky bum time, yet by the same token you can see them play with confidence when the ground lights up, keep the faith and do your bit if you are in the stadium, we go again next year COYG !!!

Cheers for Kieran Tierney who replaces Trossard as the crowd sings his name in what will surely be his final appearance in red & white here at the Emirates. What a loyal servant to the Arsenal cause. Never once moaned about his lot with injuries or lack of starts. A true team man pic.twitter.com/85OVn1Wz9b

— Layth (@laythy29) May 18, 2025