Arsenal star Declan Rice reveals 'personal' Mikel Arteta message before Newcastle win

Arsenal match-winner has admitted told the Gunners to take things personally as they chased a valuable three points against . Eddie Howe's side had beaten the Londoners in their three previous meetings, but ensured they didn't make it four out of four.

when the teams met in the league before . They were pitted together again in the new year, with Newcastle winning both legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final before going on to beat at Wembley, and Rice explained how Arteta was able to motivate his men.

"We've been poor by our standards the last few weeks in the ," Rice told on the pitch after the final whistle. "We obviously went so hard in the [and] our form dropped in the Premier League.

"That happens sometimes, but Newcastle are such an in-form side and we've lost three games to them this year. And the manager's message before the game was clear - take it personal - and I think we did today.

"I think first half was a bit of a slow start, but we grew into the game and in the end we showed that grit. And three points at home on the last [home game] was a nice day to top it off."

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Isak was missing through injury on Sunday, and Howe's men weren't able to find the net at the Emirates Stadium. They had their chances early on, though, and needed to be at his best to keep the visitors quiet.

Arsenal's win means they're sure to be in next season's Champions League, and they're likely to go into the competition as Premier League runners-up. Newcastle can join them if they beat on the final day, but any other result and their top-five status will come under threat.

"We had a dream, it was to be here or in a week's time and bring the big trophies to you guys and we couldn't do it for many circumstances," Arteta said after the victory. "We need to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't get blurry and make sure we chase the dream with positivity and enthusiasm for next season.

"We have to start creating our own history here in this stadium and we started this season. There is much more to come and it won't be easy. These players have the talent.

"We need to rest and finish at and then go on holiday. Any other club in this position would finish in a position that we cannot even dream of."

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