Premier League results: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal

Koscielny’s second-half goal was enough for Arsenal to secure a much-needed 1-0 victory over Newcastle and claim fourth place.

Arsenal needed to match the result of the game between Tottenham and Sunderland to live up their expectation of the season and qualify for the Champions League. With Gareth Bale bringing the Spurs a narrow 1-0 win over the Black Cats in the final game of the 2012-2013 Premier League season, the Gunners knew they have to beat the Magpies. And, despite the desire of the Toons to redeem themselves for two back-to-back defeats at the home ground, they duly delivered.

With the game being a fairly even affair it was the French defender who netted the match-winning goal with an acrobatic volley 7 minutes into the second half.

The result meant Arsenal avoided the disappointment of finishing behind their bitter rivals for the first time in 18 years.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed he had no doubts that his side will finish in the top four for the 17th consecutive season. He said: “I’m proud of the character and the spirit, especially with all we had to deal with during the season. The players are special. I’ve told them many times and they’ve shown it. In the last two months they have been absolutely exceptional. It’s a good basis, as well, on a longer term to go into next season on such a strong run.

“I’m very proud. We were very far behind Tottenham and even after defeat there (at White Hart Lane) we’ve shown character and attitude to come back and make 73 points, which is three points better than last season. I have had many groups in my life and the focus and the desire to do well was always exceptional. It’s one of the best groups I’ve had in my life on that front. The combination of quality and attitude has been great, and that’s why I always had faith that we would come back,” Wenger added.