Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

A wonder goal from Rice won it for Arsenal in the end, as the Gunners turned the Teesside tide in the second period and secured Champions League football next season and almost certainly second place in the league. People laugh about Arsenal being bridesmaids so much, but the Leeds team that dominated the early 70s were similar before they started winning silverware. 

The Arsenal fans' favourite score line 1-0 has a ring to it but Raya's hands needed to remain safe, as he was tested by crosses and even seemed to be trampled on at the end.

Califiori's introduction as a sub seemed to invigorate Arsenal, who really took the game to Newcastle after the break.

Once again poor officiating took centre stage as Dan Burn threw the ball at a prostrate Arsenal player late on but seconds later Arteta was booked for kicking the ball away. The lawmakers need to be consistent or they risk being a laughingstock.

Anyway, Arsenal's finishing position in the league should guarantee a decent level of investment in a team crying out for a proper centre forward. Let's see if we get one.

Now it's Saints away for the final game of the season which Arteta will watch from the stand, after seeing yellow.

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Arsenal 0-0 Newcastle (half time)

Quite how this game remained goal-less after so many chances is a mystery.

The problem for Arsenal is most of the chances fell to Newcastle, who seemed hungry for points in contrast to the dreamy Gunners. Strangely, although the Arsenal keeper's distribution was probably the worst we've seen, Raya's shot saving credentials were not in question.

In fact, Arsenal's passing was off and their set pieces lacklustre. Only Trossard looked a genuine goal threat for the Gunners, who only need one point to guarantee Champions League football next season.

The problem is Arsenal are running on empty still disappointed by the loss in the recent semifinal versus PSG. It's hard to imagine the Gunners getting over the line against a rampant Newcastle unless Arteta can raise the spirits of his exhausted troops. Deadlock would be welcome based on this form.

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Bournemouth defeat not unexpected

This 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth was a dot on the cards. Even though Arteta fielded what is arguably to some (not me!) his best eleven from the players that are fit, it was never going to be a five-star performance with the PSG second-leg looming in the background.

Let's be honest, pretty much all teams struggle to focus on the nitty gritty when they have glamour and pressure to look forward to and to prioritise just days away.

If I'm making predictions about who's going to win league matches, often I go against teams who are playing in a cup final or an equally big game, especially if that team are not used to such a big occasion. Right now, for example, I'd steer clear of Crystal Palace players for my Fantasy Premier League team.

Likewise, years ago, back in 2004, when Millwall made it to the FA Cup final for the first time in their history, their league form suddenly became atrocious over night and they missed out on the play-offs, consequently.

Unfortunately, Arsenal's league form is just as dire and now second place is in jeopardy. Not only that, but even Champions League qualification is no longer assured. Are Arsenal really going to get maximum points for the remaining fixtures: no chance!

What they might do, though, is turn over the 1-0 deficit at the Parc de Princes, and set up the biggest final in the history of the club. Well, it will equal Wenger's achievement in taking Arsenal to a final in the same competition that was lost against Barcelona.

Like my dad always says, you learn when you lose. Let's hope Arsenal can figure out how to defend set pieces before heading to France, as that has proved their undoing on many occasions this season.

I just hope Arteta selects Merino from the start, as he's a physical presence and worries defenders, even though he's not an out-and-out striker. Actually, he's not even a forward, but he puts himself about and can make an impact.

Ideally, Arsenal will get an early goal in France and then it could be a final up next, if Arsenal can add another and keep a clean sheet. Yes, I know. That's a lot of 'if's, but Arsenal are more than capable. Let's not forget, they beat Real Madrid on their own patch! If lightning strikes again like it did when it rained Gooner goals in Spain, everyone will forget about the Bournemouth setback and then it'll be just one more match to go to see if Arsenal can lift Europe's most-coveted prize.

Let's keep dreaming Gooners and forget the nightmarish league form! Aim for the sky!

Arsenal 1-1 Brentford

Two wins in the last seven league games and Arteta making five changes per match lately spell a definite end to the Gunners' title challenge.

When Rice raced 70 yards with the ball and fed Partey to blast Arsenal ahead, it looked like it could be a lacklustre three points.

Wissa had different ideas though, equalising with a deft flick that perhaps Raya could have done better with.

Arsenal finished the game with ten men after Jorginho picked up an injury. 

Clearly, all Arsenal's eggs are in one basket now: the Champions League.

Arsenal 0-0 Brentford (half time)

More like a pre-season friendly than anything, with the title all but lost and the little matter of a second leg versus Real Madrid to contend with.

Nevertheless, it provided a good run out for Tierney, who scored a header which was chalked off for offside and Zinchenko, so good he had his own song but now can't get into the team.

A lack of intensity is what the fans saw in the first 45 minutes, so it's hard to see how this game is going to go.