3 standout Arsenal players from victory over Newcastle

Declan Rice's stunner gave Arsenal all three points against Newcastle and officially sealed entry into next season's UEFA Champions League. Rice helped the Gunners boss the ball, while a committed Jakub Kiwior and an inspired David Raya kept the door shut at the back.

Arsenal needed a performance and, not for the first time this season, Declan Rice delivered. The Gunners' £105m man thumped an unstoppable shot past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope 10 minutes after half-time to settle the Premier League's scrap for second place.

His goal was the signature moment of a talismanic performance full of industry and ingenuity. Rice played the way he has throughout a campaign when he's consistently stepped up to push an Arsenal side depleted by injuries to play above its limitations.

The Gunners needed similar initiative defensively, even though Newcastle missed Isak. There was still plenty of threat from the visitors thanks to an engine room fuelled by the direct, go-to attitude of Sandro Tonali and the flair of Bruno Guimaraes.

Arsenal kept this duo blunted thanks to a stellar outing from Kiwior. The Poland international has reaffirmed his status as an invaluable squad body while filling in for Gabriel Magalhaes, but this performance probably inflated Kiwior's price tag if he opts for a transfer this summer in search of extended playing time Mikel Arteta won't provide.

Raya was already at the premium end of the market for his position, but this performance somehow raised the bar. The Spaniard was exceptional, conjuring up a quintet of splendid stops to deny the away side.

Here's how Arsenal's standout players fared during a crucial victory.

3 standout players from Arsenal 1-0 Newcastle

1. Declan Rice

It's fair to say striking from distance and in style has become a hallmark of Rice's game. The 26-year-old made a clean and forceful connection with Odegaard's pull-back, but it was the sweeping angle of the shot that left Nick Pope with no chance.

Rice isn't just a power hitter, but he's becoming a thoughtful and measured finisher. Frankly, the special goals are a bonus from a pricey player expected to be defined more by relentless running, tough tackling and defensive discipline.

Those things are still staples of the England international's best game, but his scoring output is fast becoming the main reason to justify his status as an ever-present in the starting XI. Rice has become the closer for an attack still needing major surgery and clever investment this summer.

Things are more secure in defence, but only thanks to a pair of unheralded players who have defied modest fanfare.

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