For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, there is no margin for error.
The Gunners 3-0 North London derby failure, coupled with Tottenham's 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday means that, while their top four fate remains very much in their own hands, only perfection in their final two Premier League matches will guarantee a return to European football's top table and the Champions League.
But it won't be easy against a Newcastle United side who have been upwardly-mobile under Eddie Howe, a side re-energised since their new owners splashed the cash in January. In a white-hart atmosphere at St James' Park, Arsenal will need to be at something like their best if they're to walk away with all three points.
So will they? Or will Arteta's men, struggling with injuries and with the stakes at their highest, wilt and hand their most bitter rivals the advantage heading into the final day.
Some of our Mirror Football writers have made their predictions ahead of the Monday night showdown...
Freddie Keighley
Mikel Arteta will rely on his injury-depleted side to outgun the Magpies if they are to reclaim fourth spot from Tottenham on Monday night. With Gabriel and Benjamin White doubts for the fixture and Rob Holding suspended, it is hard to see the Gunners keeping a clean sheet at St James' Park, which is sure to be bouncing for the final home game of the season.
The onus will be on in-form Eddie Nketiah to continue his fine run and inspire the visitors to victory, and Arsenal should have enough quality to defeat a Newcastle outfit who have lost their last two fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal
Tom Blow
I'm putting my money on the Gunners. Newcastle have lost their last two games and manager Eddie Howe will have one eye on next season after securing their Premier League status.
Arsenal have also picked up 18 of their 21 league wins against teams outside of the so-called "Big Six" this term. And they've responded well to bad results before, recently winning at Stamford Bridge after suffering three consecutive defeats.
The Champions League is within touching distance for the Gunners. They can't afford to let this opportunity slip, as Manchester United and Tottenham are both expected to improve next season. Arteta will be aware of this.
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
Conor Mummery
If Arsenal are sensible, they'll win the game 2-0. But I don't think they will be.
Granit Xhaka will be given his marching orders around the half hour mark for scything Allan Saint-Maximin in half as he tries to break, Cedric will concede another penalty for shoving someone over in the box, Callum Wilson will bag a brace on his first start back from injury and Mikel Arteta will blame the referees, Ant and Dec, Jimmy Nail, Billy Elliott and Monty the Magpie.
Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal
Kieran King
Newcastle have been in excellent form at home since the turn of the year, losing just once at St James' Park and Eddie Howe has seemed to turn the tide and create a different kind of atmosphere in the north east. I can't see them losing here, although the Magpies haven't got much to play for.
Meanwhile, Arsenal need to win to keep the top four destiny in their own hands after Tottenham's win over Burnley, but I think they might fall short. The north London derby defeat will have knocked their confidence and Newcastle will be hoping to take advantage in their final home game of the season.
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
Nathan Ridley
The Gunners have been impressive in their ability to grind out results under Mikel Arteta, and even with the added pressure of sitting in fifth place, I fancy his side to come out on top.
Newcastle's home form has been imperious of late and St James' Park will be rocking for the final time this season, but two defeats on the bounce will've knocked Eddie Howe and co's confidence.
Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Tom Victor
Arsenal's entire season has been about destroying the curse of narrative, only for it to sneak up on them when they think they've turned a corner.
Nothing would epitomise that more than one of their own former players shooting them down after a sale that's looked extremely smart so far, only for Spurs to drop points at Norwich on the final day to let Mikel Arteta's team claim fourth place anyway
Newcastle 2-2 Arsenal
