Mikel Arteta castigated his Arsenal side for throwing away a season’s work in a limp 2-0 defeat at Newcastle that looks set to see the Gunners miss out on Champions League football for a sixth successive season. Tottenham remains two points above their north London rivals in fourth place in the Premier League. Spurs now realistically only need a draw away to already-relegated Norwich on Sunday to secure a top-four finish thanks to their superior goal difference.
Arsenal’s defeat also guaranteed third-place Chelsea’s place in the Champions League next season.
Ben White’s own goal and Bruno Guimaraes’ late strike were the difference between the sides.
But the manner of the Newcastle performance was even more impressive as Eddie Howe’s men sent a message they could be challenging for a top-four finish themselves next season.
“A really difficult night to swallow,” said Arteta. “Newcastle deserved to win comfortably. They were much better from the first minute, we had nothing in the game. Read More
