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signed off at the Emirates Stadium for the 2024/25 season with a victory over Newcastle United to confirm their spot in the Champions League next term. After a stale first half, it was a familiar man getting the home crowd off their seats, with Declan Rice breaking the deadlock with a stunning strike midway through the second period.

Taking aim from the edge of the box, Rice nestled the ball into the far left corner with a strike that was reminiscent of his free-kick against record European champions Real Madrid from earlier in the season. It was the first goal Arsenal had netted against Newcastle, despite this being their fourth meeting of the season.

Regardless, a win is a win and Arsenal can once again look forward to a European adventure against the continent's elites next season. Express Sport hands out player ratings following Arsenal's win over Newcastle...

David Raya - 8/10

It could've been a much different afternoon if not for David Raya's saves during the first half. Pushing one around the post at full stretch before reacting sharply, not once, but twice to a bouncing ball in the box, it was another reminder of the impact the Spanish ace has had on this Arsenal side. Perhaps unfortunate not to have been named in the nominations for the Premier League Player of the Season award, Arteta will certainly be feeling vindicated following his decision to ditch Aaron Ramsdale last season.

Ben White - 6/10

A welcome sight back in the starting line-up, Ben White was lucky to avoid a punishment when he went down unopposed inside the penalty area looking for a penalty in the first half. Despite his theatrics, the Englishman held his own well throughout a relatively comfortable 90 minutes.

William Saliba - 6/10

Making his 100th Premier League appearance, William Saliba would've breathed a sigh of relief when Alexander Isak wasn't named in the Newcastle starting XI. However, his afternoon was cut short when the defender was taken off at half-time with a suspected injury.

Jakub Kiwior - 7/10

There had been many concerns about Arsenal's defence when Gabriel went down injured earlier in the campaign. The worry was misplaced, as Jakub Kiwior hasn't looked out of place at all in the heart of the Gunners' defence. It was another solid outing for the Polish international.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 6/10

The youngster has had a couple of tough outings in recent weeks, namely the Champions League second leg away to Paris Saint-Germain. But it was a return to the norm for Myles Lewis-Skelly against the Magpies, as he settled into a rhythm early doors and negated any problems the Newcastle attackers through his way.

Thomas Partey - 6/10

Where might Arsenal have been if Thomas Partey hadn't picked up the needless yellow card during the first leg of last month's Champions League semi-final? The glue to Arsenal's midfield and the man who allows Declan Rice to get in the positions where he can produce strikes like that.

Martin Odegaard - 6/10

A tidy performance for Martin Odegaard, who has faced plenty of criticism in recent weeks. He'll have to take his game to another level if Arsenal want to challenge for the title next season, but he kept things ticking over at the Emirates against Newcastle.

Declan Rice - 8/10

and the standout man for Arsenal this season. The north Londoners would've been dreaming of a title coronation before a ball was kicked this season, but while that didn't turn out to be the case, it's certainly been a campaign to remember for the jewel in Arsenal's midfield crown.

Bukayo Saka - 7/10

A constant threat whenever he picked up the ball, and on another day, Bukayo Saka might've picked up a goal himself. The English international's injury certainly hampered Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League title, but he's finished the season in fine form.

Leandro Trossard - 6/10

Probably the most wasteful of Arsenal's attacking trio, with Leandro Trossard running into trouble more often than he was causing the Newcastle defence problems.

Gabriel Martinelli - 6/10

Not his most spellbinding performance, however, there were still moments of promise. Gabriel Martinelli is another player who will have to go to that next step if Arteta's men are going to end their wait for a league title.

Substitutes:

Riccardo Calafiori - 6/10

Kept things steady at the back after replacing Saliba at the break.

Kai Havertz - N/A

He received a belting reception from the Arsenal fans following a long stint in the medical room.

Jorginho - N/A