Rice shares what Arteta said to Arsenal’s players before yesterday’s game which looks like a compliment to Newcastle

Declan Rice played a pivotal role in separating Arsenal from Newcastle United in a tense Premier League contest that ended with a narrow 1-0 win for the Gunners.

The England international’s solitary goal stood as the difference, forcing Newcastle to postpone their hopes of securing Champions League qualification until the final day of the season. For Eddie Howe’s team, the task now becomes one of resolve and composure as they head into a decisive fixture against Everton.

While the pressure may be rising, the overall outlook remains promising, especially considering the form Newcastle have shown since lifting the Carabao Cup.

What makes this result particularly telling is the level of respect it drew from Rice himself. After the match, he spoke to Sky Sports and acknowledged just how tough an opponent Newcastle have become.

He shared that Arsenal’s recent slump in league performance had added urgency to the fixture and that his side had taken Mikel Arteta’s words to heart. According to Rice, Arteta’s message to the squad before kickoff was to “take it personal,” referencing the fact that Arsenal had suffered three previous defeats to Newcastle earlier in the season.

The statement served as a challenge to the players, demanding a response not only in effort but in pride. Rice admitted that Newcastle had been one of the most in-form teams in the league and credited their consistency as a benchmark for Arsenal to overcome.

That sort of tribute, especially from a key player in a title-challenging side like Arsenal, underscores just how far Newcastle have come under Howe’s leadership.

The Magpies are no longer a side merely trying to compete—they’re a club that commands respect, even in the most elite company. And yet, for all the compliments and signs of progress, the match at the Emirates offered a harsh reminder of football’s fine margins.

Newcastle had their moments, particularly in the early stages, but the absence of Alexander Isak loomed large. The Swedish striker has been central to Newcastle’s attacking threat all season, and his groin injury could not have come at a worse time.

With Isak sidelined, the responsibility fell to Callum Wilson to lead the line, but he struggled to make an impact. Rarely involved and unable to find space, Wilson eventually made way for young forward Will Osula, whose energy injected some life into the attack but could not produce the breakthrough Newcastle needed.

Without their talismanic forward, the Magpies found it increasingly difficult to trouble Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. The Spaniard delivered a standout performance, producing a series of excellent saves to deny Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, and Harvey Barnes.

The effort was there from Newcastle, but finishing lacked precision—and perhaps the clinical edge Isak brings to the side.

There’s a growing belief among supporters that, had even one of those chances fallen to Isak, the outcome might have been different. It’s a reasonable thought, considering his track record and knack for seizing big moments.

Newcastle now waits anxiously to learn whether he’ll recover in time for the final showdown against Everton, a match that will define their European destiny.

Isak’s fitness could be the deciding factor, and whispers around the club suggest surgery may be required after the season to resolve the recurring groin issue once and for all.

Regardless of the result at the Emirates, one thing is clear: this Newcastle side has matured into a team capable of challenging the best. They’ve earned the right to be in this position, fighting for a Champions League spot deep into May.

Eddie Howe’s influence is evident in the discipline, intensity, and belief that runs through his squad. Although defeat stung, it also provided a glimpse of just how far the club has advanced—and just how high the ceiling could be.

As the final weekend approaches, anticipation builds. Newcastle’s fate remains in their hands, and with or without Isak, they’ll head into that match with the fight and hunger that have come to define their campaign.

The stage is set for a thrilling finish, and this team has already shown they belong in the conversation among Europe’s elite. Now, they just need to take that last step.