Mikel Arteta slaughtered his Arsenal flops and admitted they have to “swallow poison” after Newcastle wrecked their Champions League hopes.
A late strike from Bruno Guimaraes and a Ben White own goal after the break left the Gunners distraught and needing a miracle to reach the top four.
Spurs will pip their great rivals to the last Champions League place by avoiding defeat at Norwich on Sunday. Arsenal need to beat Everton and hope the relegated side do them a favour and win.
In a strong rebuke to his squad, Arteta said he couldn’t defend their efforts at St James’ Park.
Arteta said: “Normally I can defend. Newcastle were 100 times better than us in every department from beginning to end. It is hard to accept the reality of what happened on that pitch.
“We didn’t cope with it, we didn’t compete. We didn’t get into the game and lost every duel. Every aspect we were second best. Newcastle deserved to win by a bigger margin.
“We have to swallow the poison we feel and start again.
“Today was about competing and we were nowhere near the level we have to be at to play in the Champions League.
“I am maximum responsible. The players have created an expectation this season and I always defend them but tonight it is really difficult to do.
"We haven't been able to deal with situations throughout the season. The squad suffered a lot with injuries but that can't be an excuse.
"From tomorrow we'll prepare for Everton. It's still mathematically possible."
Gunners’ skipper Granit Xhaka admitted his side were woeful, saying: “From the first minute to the 90th we didn't deserve to be on the pitch.
"I can't explain to you why. We didn't do what the game plan was, not listening to the coach. What happened was a disaster performance. You don't deserve to play Champions League or even Europa League. It's very hard to take it at the moment.
"I don't know why we're not doing what the coach is asking for us.
"We have waited for six years (for this top four chance). We had everything in our hands. We looked like we were in the position where Newcastle are and they were where we are.
“If you're nervous, stay on the bench or stay at home. You need people to have the balls to come here and play. It's one of the most important games for us. We're feeling very disappointed for the people who came over here.
"Sorry to them [fans], I don't have any other words.”
