Arsenal sealed second-place on the Premier League table and a return to the UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Rice has now also scored more goals for Arsenal (16 in 102 games) than he did for West Ham (15 in 245 games). It underlines the midfielder’s transformation since moving to Arsenal two summers ago. Rice has become an unlikely attacking weapon for Mikel Arteta, thriving as a No8.

It took four matches and 52 shots for Arsenal to breach the defence of Newcastle United this season, although when the goal finally came it was at least a strike to remember. Declan Rice is developing a habit of producing eye-catching efforts from range and his latest was another beauty,

Latest Arsenal transfer news as Viktor Gyokeres could be central to a £54m summer battle between Premier League rivals

ARSENAL booked their place in next season’s Champions League with a crucial 1-0 win over Newcastle. Declan Rice struck the only goal of the game on a nervy afternoon at the Emirates. Mikel

Alan Smith has waved away suggestions that Declan Rice should replace Martin Odegaard as captain of Arsenal. The Gunners’ former striker claims that Odegaard, whose performances have been questioned, is still a ‘good leader’ and a player with experience who is more than good enough to be captain.

Declan Rice reacted to a heartfelt message from teammate Riccardo Calafiori on social media after Arsenal's win over Newcastle.

Declan Rice’s second-half strike proved to be the difference as Arsenal sealed a second-place finish in the Premier League by beating Newcastle.

Declan Rice has been highlighted as the one Arsenal player who could leave should the club's trophy drought continues. Defeat last week in the Champions League semi-finals means the Gunners will finish the season empty-handed for the fifth year in a row.