A second-half strike from Laurent Koscielny saw Arsenal record a 1-0 victory from their trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon.

Not only did the result see the Gunners collect all three points, but it also allowed them to qualify for next season's Champions League at the expense of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal Laurent Koscielny celebrates scoring against Newcastle on May 19, 2013 © Owen Humphreys / PA Photos

Both teams struggled to create any real clear-cut chances during the opening 45 minutes, with both defences dominating the contest.

Newcastle's best chance was sent over the crossbar by Papiss Cisse, while Santi Cazorla put two separate efforts wide of the target from the edge of the penalty area.

The visiting Gunners started the second half brightly and just six minutes in, they broke the deadlock. Lukas Podolski headed on Theo Walcott's free kick and centre-back Koscielny reacted quickest to volley the ball into the net from close range.

Arsenal Laurent Koscielny scores during the Premier League match against Newcastle on May 19, 2013 © Owen Humphreys / PA Photos

Newcastle saw much more of the ball having fallen behind, but they struggled to carve out any real opportunities, despite the fact that Arsenal had dropped deep in an attempt to keep hold of their advantage.

In fact, it was Arsenal who went closest to adding to the score in stoppage time, but Walcott's scuffed effort from six yards out hit the post.