Jack Wilshere: Arsenal ‘excited’ ahead of crunch Newcastle clash
Jack Wilshere insists Arsenal are "excited" heading into their crunch clash against Newcastle United on Sunday

Jack Wilshere insists Arsenal are “excited” heading into their crunch clash against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Gunners travel to St James’ Park for their final game of the season knowing that a victory will guarantee a top-four finish and their place in next season’s Champions League, with Tottenham currently fifth and a point behind their local rivals.
And midfielder Wilshere says that Arsene Wenger’s men are raring to go ahead of the game, although he admits nerves could play a part in the outcome.
“[The mood] has got to be one of excitement because we know that if we win, we’re going to be playing in the Champions League or the Champions League qualifier at the beginning of next season,” Wilshere told Arsenal Player.
“I think excitement first of all. When we get into the game, we’ll see what happens. Maybe a bit of nerves will come into it.
“We watched Tottenham get the three points on Sunday and that wasn’t ideal but then we picked ourselves up for the Wigan game and did what we needed to do.
“We did it in style as well. We scored a few goals and it’s set up a really interesting last day. If we can play like that and take the game to them we know a win decides our destiny.”
Meanwhile, the Premier League has confirmed that a potential third-place play-off between Arsenal and Chelsea would take place at Villa Park on Sunday 26 May if results require the game.
If Chelsea draw at home to Everton and Arsenal win at Newcastle by a single-goal margin having scored two more than the Blues, both teams would be level on points, goal difference and goals scored, and a play-off needed.
It had previously been suggested that Wembley would host the potential showdown but Aston Villa’s home ground was confirmed as the selected stadium on Friday.
The team that finishes third in the table will go straight into next season’s Champions League group stage, with the fourth-placed side having to qualify via play-off round.




