Rice secures Champions League spot for Gunners

Perhaps it was appropriate that Real Madrid’s nemesis ensured Arsenal have more Champions League dates on their calendar next year.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Rice may have fashioned Arsenal’s greatest European nights since the 2000s with his twin man-of-the-match displays and brace of stunning free kicks against the continent’s superpower. It was fitting, then, that the goal that guaranteed a top-five finish and their ticket for a reunion with the European elite came from Rice, and that it was another terrific strike.

In the process, he almost certainly secured a third successive second-place finish; an unwanted hat-trick, some might say, but preferable when it seemed Arsenal might finish third in a twohorse title race. “We have built something sustainable and consistent,” said Mikel Arteta. “We had a clear dream to deliver a trophy this season to our people. Unfortunately we haven't done it, understanding the circumstances we've been through. But you have to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't confuse you and allow you to see all the incredible things this team are doing.”

Second may not sound incredible, but on the day, Arsenal achieved their aims. “We had a few objectives, finishing second and in the Champions League spots,” Arteta added. So it is instead Newcastle who have to endure a nervy week. The equation is both simple and yet fraught with danger: beat Everton at St James’ Park and they will join Arsenal in the Champions League. Don’t and they are reliant on other results.